Effect of changing gravitational acceleration: If the local gravitational acceleration at a place is doubled, what happens to the weight of a body at that location (mass constant)?

Introduction / Context:

Weight is the gravitational force acting on a body. While mass is an intrinsic property and does not change with location, weight depends on the local value of gravitational acceleration g. This question probes the direct proportionality between weight and g.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Mass m of the body is constant.
• Local gravitational acceleration g is doubled.
• No buoyancy or other forces considered.

Concept / Approach:

By definition, weight W = m * g. If g becomes 2g, the new weight W′ = m * (2g) = 2 * (m * g) = 2W. Hence, weight doubles when g doubles.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:

Dimensional consistency: weight has units of newtons (N), proportional to g; doubling g must double W if m is unchanged.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Half or zero contradicts direct proportionality.
• “Not affected” confuses weight with mass.
• “None of these” is incorrect since a clear outcome exists.

Common Pitfalls:

• Mixing up mass and weight; only weight depends on g.

Final Answer:

be doubled