Which is Better for Mechanics: mg or W (Weight)?

[CGUE]

When working out problems in mechanics by drawing free body diagrams and so on, I personally find it better to write mg rather than W (weight) because I confuse it with work.

 

[stewartcs]

I prefer mg as well.

CS

 

[Ed Aboud]

Mg definitely, I find it easier to spot cancellations.

 

[pmb_phy]

This seems like an odd question to me because W = mg is a definition of W so I don't see why people would choose one over the other. To me is like asking whether I like A or LW for the area of a square with sides L and W. Since A = LW how can you choose what you prefer?

Good question in fact. What do you prefer in the equation A = LW. Do you prefer A or do you prefer LW?

Pete

 

[tiny-tim]

Mg definitely, I find it easier to spot cancellations.

Seconded … same reason.

 

[Kurdt]

If I'm given weight I use W and if I'm given mass I use mg. It doesn't really matter, they're the same thing.

 

[G01]

I use both depending on whether I'm given weight, or mass, like Kurdt. On the other hand, I usually substitute in mg for w whenever I can so, I have to vote for mg.

 

[robphy]

I write \vec W, which won't be confused with work.

 

[Crosson]

I never use any letter than capital F to stand for a force, so I write:

F_g

Or sometimes

F_{Weight}

to help the students.