Effect of changing gravitational acceleration on weight If the local gravitational acceleration doubles (g becomes 2g), how does the weight of a given body change? Assume mass remains constant.

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: twice its original weight

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Weight is the gravitational force acting on a body. This question tests the relationship between weight, mass, and gravitational acceleration, a foundational concept in mechanics.



Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Mass m of the body is constant.
  • Original gravitational acceleration = g; new acceleration = 2g.
  • Weight W is defined as m * g.


Concept / Approach:
Weight depends linearly on gravitational acceleration. Doubling g doubles the weight for the same mass.



Step-by-Step Solution:

Original weight: W_old = m * g.New weight: W_new = m * (2g) = 2 * (m * g).Hence W_new = 2 * W_old.


Verification / Alternative check:
Units remain force (newtons): N = kg * m/s^2. Doubling the acceleration term doubles the numerical value of the force for fixed mass.



Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • Half or same: would require g to be halved or unchanged.
  • Four times: would require g to become 4g, not 2g.


Common Pitfalls:
Mixing up mass (invariant in this scenario) with weight (force that changes with g). Mass is measured in kilograms; weight is measured in newtons.



Final Answer:
twice its original weight

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