Understanding the Relationship between Mass and Weight in Mechanics

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SUMMARY

This discussion clarifies the distinction between mass and weight in mechanics, emphasizing that weight is a vector quantity measured in Newtons (kg m/s²) and mass is a scalar quantity measured in kilograms (kg). The relationship is defined by the equation Weight = mg, where 'm' represents mass and 'g' is the acceleration due to gravity. Additionally, the importance of using SI units (kilograms, meters, seconds) for consistency in calculations is highlighted. The discussion also touches on the confusion surrounding the angle delta in trigonometric contexts.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic mechanics principles, specifically Newton's laws of motion.
  • Familiarity with trigonometric functions and their applications in physics.
  • Knowledge of SI units and their significance in scientific calculations.
  • Ability to differentiate between scalar and vector quantities in physics.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation and application of the equation Weight = mg in various contexts.
  • Learn about the significance of SI units in scientific measurements and calculations.
  • Explore trigonometric identities and their applications in solving physics problems.
  • Investigate the differences between scalar and vector quantities in greater detail.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for students in physics, educators teaching mechanics, and anyone seeking to clarify the concepts of mass and weight in scientific contexts.

myusernameis
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so u = -cos(t) + sqrt(3)sin(t)

so the Wo = 1, and R =2, but how do i find delta?

tan(del) = sqrt(3)/-1, but the answer has it as

u = 2cos(t-2pi/3)

i can't get the 2pi/3 no matter what i do...

thanks
 
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If you follow the posting guidelines I think it will be easier for someone to answer you. The question doesn't seem to be very clear.
 
acutally, i found my mistake!
 
Gregg said:
If you follow the posting guidelines I think it will be easier for someone to answer you. The question doesn't seem to be very clear.

um one more question, what should be the unit for metric?

should i do it in kg, m, seconds, always?

thanks
 
myusernameis said:
um one more question, what should be the unit for metric?

should i do it in kg, m, seconds, always?

thanks

yeah always use SI units
 
Gregg said:
yeah always use SI units
haha

ok, ONE LAST QUESTION (of this thread)..

how do i know when it's "weight" or "mass"? is it in the wordings of the problem?

thanks
 
myusernameis said:
haha

ok, ONE LAST QUESTION (of this thread)..

how do i know when it's "weight" or "mass"? is it in the wordings of the problem?

thanks

Weight is a vector, a force. You can see that the dimensions of a force would be kg m/s^2 or Newtons. Mass is a scalar quantity and will be measured, if in SI units, in kg only.

F=MA

Weight = mg

where m is mass and g is the acceleration due to gravity
 
Gregg said:
Weight is a vector, a force. You can see that the dimensions of a force would be kg m/s^2 or Newtons. Mass is a scalar quantity and will be measured, if in SI units, in kg only.

F=MA

Weight = mg

where m is mass and g is the acceleration due to gravity


thanks!
 

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