What is the unit of measurement for weight?

Prepare for the NCEA Level 2 Physics Exam. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Weight is defined as the force exerted by gravity on an object. The unit of force in the International System of Units (SI) is the newton. One newton is equivalent to the force required to accelerate a mass of one kilogram at a rate of one meter per second squared.

When considering the weight of an object, it's calculated using the formula:

Weight (W) = mass (m) × gravitational acceleration (g).

Here, mass is measured in kilograms, and gravitational acceleration is typically approximated as 9.81 m/s² on the surface of the Earth. The resulting unit of weight, therefore, is newtons, making it the correct choice for representing weight in physics.

The other choices represent different physical concepts: kilograms are a unit of mass, pascals measure pressure (force per unit area), and joules quantify energy. Thus, newtons perfectly relate to weight as a force, making it the correct answer.

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