Using equation for Weight

Joined
Jul 6, 2012
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Ok so here is another one: Wt = mg (where m is mass and g is the acceleration of gravity) trying to find the force of gravity (in Newtons) on a 2 KG object near the earth's surface. I don't know how to set up the problem which is my problem for these questions I'm working.
 
Ok so here is another one: Wt = mg (where m is mass and g is the acceleration of gravity) trying to find the force of gravity (in Newtons) on a 2 KG object near the earth's surface. I don't know how to set up the problem which is my problem for these questions I'm working.

Since the force is to be given in Newtons and mass is given in kilograms (both metric units), it is important to use a g that is in metric units as well. It should be stated somewhere in your materials that g = 9.81 m/s^2 (near the earth's surface). It is also important to know that a Newton = kg*m/s^2. Other than that, there is nothing to figure out:

W = mg

W = (2 kg)(9.81 m/s^2)
 
2*9.81=19.62
Does the square in the equation need to be done?
The square in what equation? The only equation here is "wt= mg" which is "weight= mass times acceleration due to gravity". You are given that the mass is two kg. Whoever gave you this problem expected you to know (and you were told here) that the acceleration due to gravity at the earth's surface is 9.8 meters per second per second. The equation tells you to multiply- so do it!

(You say you are "almost done with degree". I hope you are not majoring in physics!)
 
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