Calculating Weight of a Mass Boulder on Earth
What is weight and how can we calculate it?
Weight is defined as the force acting on an object due to gravity. It is a standard mechanical quantity and can be calculated using the formula W = m * g, where W is the weight in newtons (N), m is the mass in kilograms, and g is the acceleration due to gravity.
Explanation:
The weight of an object is determined by the force of gravity acting on it. In this case, we have a 438 kg mass boulder on Earth with g = 10 N/kg. To calculate its weight, we simply multiply the mass by the acceleration due to gravity:
Weight = mass * acceleration due to gravity
Weight = 438 kg * 10 N/kg
Weight = 4380 N
Weight is an important concept in physics, as it determines the force with which an object is attracted towards the center of the Earth. The acceleration due to gravity, denoted as g, is approximately 10 N/kg on Earth. By multiplying the mass of an object by this value, we can find the weight in newtons.
In the case of the 438 kg mass boulder on Earth, its weight is calculated to be 4380 N. This means that the boulder experiences a gravitational force of 4380 newtons due to Earth's gravity.
Understanding weight and how to calculate it is essential in various fields such as engineering, astronomy, and everyday physics. By knowing the weight of objects, we can predict their behavior under gravitational forces and make informed decisions in design and construction.