How is weight defined in physics?

Weight in physics is defined as the force exerted by a mass due to gravity. This definition emphasizes the relationship between mass and the gravitational force acting on it. Weight is calculated by multiplying the mass of an object by the acceleration due to gravity, often represented by the equation ( W = m \times g ), where ( W ) is weight, ( m ) is mass, and ( g ) varies depending on the location (approximately ( 9.81 , m/s^2 ) on Earth).

This understanding is crucial because it differentiates weight from mass. While mass refers to the quantity of matter in an object and remains constant regardless of location, weight changes based on the gravitational field strength acting on that mass. Therefore, weight is a vector quantity that has both magnitude and direction, influenced directly by the force of gravity, making it a fundamental concept in studying motion and forces in physics.