Re: Weight and reference frame

[SSHS KPHOX <kphox@MAIL.CCSD.K12.CO.US>]

PHYS-L@lists.nau.edu writes:
> > a)   the gravitational force between you and the earth
> > b)   the reading when you stand on a scale on the earth
> > c)   the reading when you stand on a scale in any other reference frame.

> > Does anyone want to argue for a different set of definitions for the
> above
> > concepts???
>
> I vote with Tim.  SET I looks good to me.

I am not sure I want to argue but I do not vote for set I. Set I seems
nice from the frame of reference of the mass being weighed. From out side
that reference I prefer to group b and c as one that I call the normal
force applied by the floor (or what have you) and tranmitted and measured
by the scale. I am happy calling (a) the gravitational force but I will
also call it weight because I like to communicate with my students. Many
have tried to disuade me and I have read the comments here. This still
make the most sense to me.

In an aside, weight and mass was yesterday's topic in my classes, before I
saw the return of this thread. I told my students that there was not
universal agreement on the definition of "weight" and that grown
physicists will argue.How prophetic.

Cheers

Ken Fox
Science Department Coordinator
IB Physics Teacher
Smoky Hill High School
Aurora, CO
kfox@mail.ccsd.k12.co.us