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CLASS 7 · LEARNING KNOWLEDGE

Force Measurement and Weight Force – Basic Principles

How it works

Force is a physical quantity that acts on a body and can deform it, accelerate it, or change its direction of motion. It is given in Newtons (N). The weight force Fg is the force with which a celestial body, for example the Earth, attracts a body. On Earth, approximately Fg = m · g applies with g ≈ 9.81 m/s². Here, m is the mass of the body in kilograms (kg). The mass remains the same at different locations, but the weight force can change because the acceleration due to gravity is different there. Forces can be measured, for example, with a spring scale.

Note
The weight force of a body is calculated with Fg = m · g. Here, m is the mass in kilograms and g is the acceleration due to gravity. On Earth, one usually calculates with g ≈ 9.81 m/s². The weight force is given in Newtons (N) and can be measured with a force meter.

An example

How large is the weight force of a body with a mass of 2 kg on Earth? (g = 9.81 m/s²)

Fg = m · g = 2 kg · 9.81 m/s² = 19.62 N. The weight force is therefore 19.62 N.

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Own explanation and own practice exercises by AmyMath. Subject reference framework: KMK Educational Standards Mathematics ESA/MSA. The topic assignment may vary by federal state.