Understanding the Meaning of Mass Squared and Weighing 8.7 kg2 Explained

  • Thread starter Thread starter johann1301
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Mass
Click For Summary
The discussion centers on the confusion surrounding the term "8.7 kg²," which is incorrectly used to describe weight. Participants clarify that standard units for mass are kilograms (kg) and for weight are Newtons, emphasizing that "kg²" is not a valid measurement. The term was found on the Norwegian Apple website, where it appears to be a typographical error, as the English version lists the weight correctly. The superscript "2" was determined to refer to a footnote rather than an actual measurement. Overall, the consensus is that "8.7 kg²" is a mistake and should not be used to describe an object's weight.
johann1301
Messages
216
Reaction score
1
What does it mean when an object is said to weigh 8.7 kg2?

does it mean 8.7 kg? (if so, why would someone write it like 8.7 kg2?)
 
Physics news on Phys.org
johann1301 said:
What does it mean when an object is said to weigh 8.7 kg2?

does it mean 8.7 kg? (if so, why would someone write it like 8.7 kg2?)

Where do you see such a statement that an object "weigh 8.7 kg^2"? That is the wrong units for mass/weight.

Zz.
 
johann1301 said:
What does it mean when an object is said to weigh 8.7 kg2?

does it mean 8.7 kg? (if so, why would someone write it like 8.7 kg2?)
Those units make no sense. Where have you seen it?

Standard units, of course, would be kg for mass and Newtons for weight.
 
Its the norwegian Apple site.

http://store.apple.com/no/mac/family/imac/imac-vesa

look under "spesifikasjoner" (specifications) and "Størrelse og vekt" (size and weight)

I see now that the english site writes it different. Its must be a typing-error.
 
johann1301 said:
Its the norwegian Apple site.

http://store.apple.com/no/mac/family/imac/imac-vesa

look under "spesifikasjoner" (specifications) and "Størrelse og vekt" (size and weight)

I see now that the english site writes it different. Its must be a typing-error.

The superscript 2 refers to a footnote on the web page!
 
double_facepalm.png
 
ehhmm... yeah...
 
Don't feel bad about it... we've all had our "double facepalm" moments! :-p
 

Similar threads

MHB Understanding Proposition 8.7: Operator Norm and Sequences
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Finding force that ground has on person
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
How Likely Is It That Mechanics Take Over 8.7 Hours to Rebuild a Transmission?
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
7K
Rigid Body Kinetics: Find Reaction Force at A
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
High School Do I weigh 50 kg or 50 * 9.8 kg?
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
8K
High School What is the physical significance of mass-time-length equivalences in physics?
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
Undergrad Mass & Density: Unpacking Feynman's Idea
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
High School Gravitational potential energy, a thought experiment
  • · Replies 125 ·
5
Replies
125
Views
6K
Undergrad Units analysis for this phase shift problem using a differential equation
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
High School What is the meaning of the famous equation E=mc^2?
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
7K