Re: [Phys-l] g...

["John Clement" <clement@hal-pc.org>]

While gravitational force is well defined, weight actually varies from one
author to another, so it is not well established.  I would also put in a
plea to use the term gravitational force rather than force of gravity.  The
latter implies that gravity is the agent while the Earth is properly the
agent.  Gravity should properly be an adjective rather than a noun.  This
should encourage students to think of agents and objects rather than magical
forces.

John M. Clement
Houston, TX

> I agree with Tim that one ought to treat established definitions with
> some respect, but doesn't it seem not only a shame, but needlessly
> confusing to use two different names--"force of gravity" and "weight"
> to refer to the same quantity?