Weight - GCSE Physics Definition

What is weight?

In GCSE Physics, weight is the force exerted on an object that has mass when placed in a gravitational field. Weight is a vector quantity, meaning it has both magnitude and direction, and is measured in newtons (N).

Weight is calculated using the following equation:

Where:

• = weight, measured in newtons (N)

• = mass, measured in kilograms (kg)

• = gravitational field strength, measured in newtons per kilogram (N/kg)

Unlike mass, which remains constant regardless of location, weight can vary depending on the strength of the gravitational field an object is placed in. Thus, an object's weight on the Moon would be less than its weight on Earth due to the Moon's weaker gravitational field.

Explore GCSE Physics Revision Resources