Weight

Principle

The students are to determine the weight which a mass experiences in the earth's gravitational field with a spring balance. They should know that force is measured in N = kg  m?s² and recognize that weight is proportional to mass. The proportionality factor is the acceleration of gravity g in m?s². In a supplementary problem the students should determine the acceleration of gravity g from their measured values.

The term "(slotted) weight" is incorrect since we are dealing with a mass which becomes a weight (in reality "a weight-force") under the influence of the earth's gravity. The term "mass piece" used here is better.

Task

How "heavy" is a mass?

With a spring balance the weight which different "mass pieces" experience at the surface of the earth is determined. The law that connects weight and mass is found.

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