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The weight of an object has been characterised as the gravitational force acting on it. The measuring unit for weight is force, which is the newton in the International System of Units (SI). For instance, an object weighing one kilogramme has a weight of about 9.8 newtons on Earth’s surface and about one-sixth as much on the Moon. Even though weight and mass are scientifically distinct quantities, the terms are frequently used interchangeably (i.e. contrasting and transforming force weight in pounds to mass weight in kilogrammes, and vice versa).
Weight and mass were indeed fundamentally different quantities in modern scientific usage: Mass is indeed an intrinsic property of matter, whereas weight is a force that results from the action of gravity on the matter: this then measures how strongly the force of gravity pulls on that matter. Even so, in most practical everyday situations, the term “weight” is used when “mass” is intended. Most people, for example, would say that an object “weighs one kilogramme,” despite the fact that a kilogramme is a unit of mass.
For so many practical purposes, the distinction between mass and weight is irrelevant because the strength of gravity does not vary significantly across the Earth’s surface. The gravitational force induced on an object (its weight) in a uniform gravitational field is directly proportional to its mass. Because an object’s mass can be measured indirectly by its weight, weighing (using a weighing scale) is an entirely acceptable method of measuring mass for everyday purposes. Likewise, a balance indirectly measures mass by comparing the weight of the measured item to the weight of an object(s) of known mass. So because the measured item and the comparison mass are in almost the same location and thus experience the same gravitational field, the effect of varying gravity has no effect on the comparison of the resulting measurement.
Dimensional formula of Weight
We know that, Weight (W) = Mass × Acceleration . . . . . . (1)
As known, Acceleration = Velocity × [Time]-1
Also, velocity is dimensionally represented as [M0 L1 T-1]
Thus, the dimensional formula of acceleration = [M0 L1 T-2] . . . . . (2)
Now, the dimensions of mass = [M1 L0 T0] . . . . (3)
When substituting equation (2) and (3) in equation (1) we get,
Weight = Mass × Acceleration
Otherwise, W = [M1 L0 T0] × [M0 L1 T-2] = [M1 L1 T-2].
Thus, the weight can be dimensionally represented as [M1 L1 T-2].
FAQs
Q. What is the dimensional formula for weight?
Ans: Weight has been dimensionally represented as [M1 L1 T-2].
Q. How do you differentiate dimensional weight and actual weight?
Ans: Actual Weight is really the total weight of the product, including packaging. Dimensional Weight considers the length, width, and height of the package being shipped.
