Physics
Weight from mass
Weight is the force gravity exerts, so it is the second law applied to the gravitational acceleration. It gives 11767.98 N for a 1200 kilogram car on Earth.
The Formula
W = m g
Weight is the force gravity exerts, so it is the second law applied to the gravitational acceleration. It gives 11767.98 N for a 1200 kilogram car on Earth.
| Symbol | Meaning | Unit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| m | Mass of the object | kilograms | The same mass used in the second law, still in kilograms. |
| g | Acceleration due to gravity | metres per second squared | 9.80665 metres per second squared as a standard value, lower on the Moon and higher near the poles. |
| W | Weight, the gravitational force | newtons | In newtons, pointing toward the centre of the attracting body. |
What Each Symbol Means
mkilograms
Mass of the object
The same mass used in the second law, still in kilograms.
gmetres per second squared
Acceleration due to gravity
9.80665 metres per second squared as a standard value, lower on the Moon and higher near the poles.
Wnewtons
Weight, the gravitational force
In newtons, pointing toward the centre of the attracting body.
See It Worked With Real Numbers
A formula on its own does not tell you which number goes where. The how to calculate force page applies this equation to a concrete case, shows every intermediate step, and names the mistakes that produce a wrong answer even when the algebra is right.
Where This Formula Appears
This equation is the working core of How To Calculate Force, filed under Science. Every number the guide produces comes from substituting into this one line.