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The Edexcel GCSE Physics (1PH0) exam provides an equation sheet, but it does NOT contain all the equations you need. The equations listed in this lesson must be committed to memory — they will not be given to you in the exam. For each equation, you need to know what the symbols represent, the correct units, and how to use it in a calculation.
W = mg
| Symbol | Quantity | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| W | Weight | Newtons (N) |
| m | Mass | Kilograms (kg) |
| g | Gravitational field strength | N/kg (9.8 N/kg on Earth) |
Worked example: Calculate the weight of a 55 kg person on Earth.
W = mg = 55 × 9.8 = 539 N
Exam Tip: Weight and mass are NOT the same thing. Mass is the amount of matter (in kg) and is constant everywhere. Weight is a force (in N) and depends on the gravitational field strength.
W = Fs
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