In the formula W = mg, what does 'W' represent?

In the equation W = mg, 'W' represents the weight of an object, which is the force due to gravity acting on that object. The formula expresses how weight is calculated as the product of mass (m) and the acceleration due to gravity (g). On the surface of the Earth, the acceleration due to gravity is approximately 9.81 m/s², which is why this formula is specifically reflective of weight in that context.

Weight is a specific type of force that always acts downward toward the center of the Earth, and it is essential in determining how objects behave when subject to gravitational pull. The formula illustrates the direct relationship between weight and mass, indicating that as the mass of an object increases, so does its weight.

In terms of the other options, while work done on an object involves forces and movements, it is not accurately represented by this equation. Work is calculated differently, often involving the displacement of an object in the direction of the applied force. Additionally, force applied is a broader concept that can include various types of forces, not just weight. Lastly, mass is a measure of the amount of matter in an object, but it is not indicated by 'W' in this formula. Therefore, understanding that 'W'