What does "Weight" measure in the context of physics?

In the context of physics, "weight" specifically measures the gravitational force acting on an object due to its mass. The weight of an object is the result of the gravitational pull exerted by the Earth (or another celestial body) on that object, which can be calculated using the formula ( W = m \cdot g ), where ( W ) represents weight, ( m ) is mass, and ( g ) is the acceleration due to gravity. This relationship highlights how weight is directly proportional to the mass of the object and the strength of gravity, distinguishing it from other related concepts.

Understanding this definition is essential in physics, as it lays the groundwork for various applications, including calculations in mechanics and understanding the behavior of objects under gravitational forces in different environments.