What Are the Correct Units for Weight?

  • Thread starter Thread starter pyroknife
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Units Weight
Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the correct units for weight, specifically exploring the options of kilograms, Newtons, and the expression kg(m/s²). Participants are examining the relationship between these units and their definitions in the context of physics.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Some participants assert that the correct answer includes both Newtons and the expression kg(m/s²), while others provide reasoning about the definitions of force and weight. There are questions regarding the notation used in expressing units, particularly the interpretation of the multiplication sign.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the definitions and relationships between the units of weight. There is a recognition that both Newtons and kg(m/s²) are valid representations of weight, but no explicit consensus has been reached on the phrasing of the answer. The discussion includes clarifications about unit notation.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working within the framework of standard SI units and are questioning the implications of unit notation in the context of physics. There is a focus on ensuring clarity in understanding the definitions and relationships among the units discussed.

pyroknife
Messages
611
Reaction score
4

Homework Statement


The units for weight are
A)kg
B) Newtons
c) kg(m/s^2), the 2 means squared
d) both b and c


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



i believe the the answer is d am i right?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
pyroknife said:

Homework Statement


The units for weight are
A)kg
B) Newtons
c) kg(m/s^2), the 2 means squared
d) both b and c


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



i believe the the answer is d am i right?
You are correct.

Newton (N) is a measure of force.

Also force F is the product of mass (m) and acceleration (a). Unit of mass in SI/mks is kg, and unit of acceleration is m/s2 or units of force are kg-m/s2.

The definition of 1 N is 1 kg-m/s2.
 
you are correct
 
pyroknife said:

Homework Statement


The units for weight are
A)kg
B) Newtons
c) kg(m/s^2), the 2 means squared
d) both b and c

In fact, choice (c) gives the fundamental units for Newtons, so choice (b) is really the same. So (d) would be correct.
 
Astronuc said:
You are correct.

Newton (N) is a measure of force.

Also force F is the product of mass (m) and acceleration (a). Unit of mass in SI/mks is kg, and unit of acceleration is m/s2 or units of force are kg-m/s2.

The definition of 1 N is 1 kg-m/s2.

when you typed "kg-m/s^s" does this "-" mean minus or multiplying?
 
pyroknife said:
when you typed "kg-m/s^2" does this "-" mean minus or multiplying?

When applied to units, that is a commonly used notation to indicate multiplication.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
8K
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
11
Views
3K
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 29 ·
Replies
29
Views
23K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K