CRITICAL THINKING: The term ”weight” in physics has the following very specific meaning:

“The weight of an object is the name given to a particular force: the gravitational force exerted by the earth on the object, giving it an acceleration of 9.8 m/s2 near the surface of Earth.”

In ordinary speech the use of “weight” is nowhere nearly so precise. What, if anything, is wrong with the following statements? Explain, and correct the statements to become scientifically accurate if they are incorrect.

a) A 3-kg object has a weight of about 30 N at the surface of Earth.
b) A 120-lb person weighs about 55 kg.
c) An astronaut orbiting Earth experiences weightlessness
d) If you eat too much you may gain weight.

1 answer

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