The weight of an object may be assigned using Newton’s

The weight of an object is defined as the gravitational force with which the Earth attracts it [2]. According to Newton's second law of motion, the net force acting on an object is equal to the product of its mass and acceleration (F = ma). Weight is a specific application of this law where the force is gravity and the acceleration is the acceleration due to gravity (g). Thus, weight is mathematically expressed as W = mg, which is a direct derivation from the second law [1]. While the law of universal gravitation explains the origin of the gravitational force between two masses, the specific assignment or calculation of weight as a force proportional to mass and acceleration is fundamentally an application of Newton's second law. This law provides the mathematical relationship used to quantify weight in newtons [1].

Sources

1. [1] Science ,Class VIII . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 5: Exploring Forces > 5.5 Weight and Its Measurement > p. 72
2. [2] Science ,Class VIII . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 9: The Amazing World of Solutes, Solvents, and Solutions > A step further > p. 142