The weight of an object is due to

the net force acting on it.

the total of all forces acting on it irrespective of their directions.

the force that it exerts on the ground.

its inert property.

Answer is Right!

Answer is Wrong!

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CDS-1 – 2021

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Weight is defined as the force of gravity acting on an object. In situations where gravity is the only force significantly influencing motion (like free fall), the net force acting on the object is equal to its weight. While weight is a specific type of force (gravitational force) and not the ‘net’ force in all scenarios (e.g., when supported), among the given options, ‘net force acting on it’ is the one most directly related to the force aspect of weight, particularly in simplified contexts where gravity is the primary force considered or its effect on motion is discussed.

Weight (W) is the force exerted by a gravitational field on a mass (m), usually expressed as W = mg, where g is the acceleration due to gravity. This gravitational force contributes to the net force acting on the object. In free fall, the net force acting on the object *is* its weight. The phrasing of option A is imprecise, as weight is a component of the net force in general, but in the context of forces acting on an object, it is the most relevant option compared to others that describe different concepts.

Mass is a measure of the amount of matter and inertia, an intrinsic property of an object. Weight is a force that depends on both the mass of the object and the strength of the gravitational field it is in. The force exerted by the object on a supporting surface (often called apparent weight) is related to, but not always equal to, the true weight. Options B, C, and D are incorrect definitions or concepts related to weight.

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