How Do You Convert Weight to Newtons in Variable Gravity?

AI Thread Summary
To convert weight to Newtons in variable gravity, the equation w=mg is used, where w is weight in Newtons, m is mass in kilograms, and g is the acceleration due to gravity. In the context of the discussion, a weight of 10 kg indicates a force equivalent to 10 kg under Earth's gravity, which is approximately 98 N. The user attempted to calculate the unknown gravity by setting up the equation 10 kg = 72.5 kg * a, leading to a calculated gravity of 0.13 g. The clarification provided indicates that the weight of 10 kg refers to the force experienced in a different gravitational context. Understanding this relationship helps in accurately converting weight to Newtons in varying gravitational conditions.
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Homework Statement


In Rendezvous with Rama, they are on rung 700, so about 213 m down into the ship. The gravity is very small. It says that they weigh 10 kg in that gravity. So what gravity are they in?

Homework Equations



I know I use w=ma, but how do I get the 10 kg into N? I guessed that an average male weighs 72.5 kg

The Attempt at a Solution



I tried doing 10=72.5a
a=.13

But I know that weight needs to be in N, but I'm confusing myself as to how to do that in an unknown gravity.

Edit: post restored after being deleted by OP
 
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When it says they weigh 10kg, it means that the force of gravity on them is the same as for a 10kg mass in Earth's surface gravity, i.e. 10g N.
 
So you're saying I'd do:
10kg * 10 (gravity on Earth)=72.5a ??
 
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Mecia22 said:
So you're saying I'd do:
10kg * 10 (gravity on Earth)=72.5a ??
Yes.
 
xcsfa
 
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