Apparent weight
Definition
The apparent weight of an object is the force exerted on it by a supporting surface, taking into account the effects of gravity and any other forces acting on the object.
Analogy
Imagine you are standing on a bathroom scale. Your actual weight is the force of gravity pulling you down, but your apparent weight is what the scale shows. If someone pushes down on your shoulders while you stand on the scale, your apparent weight will increase because there is an additional force acting on you.
Related terms
Normal force: The normal force is the support force exerted by a surface to prevent an object from falling through it.
Weightlessness: Weightlessness occurs when an object experiences zero apparent weight due to freefall or being in orbit.
Buoyant force: The buoyant force is the upward force exerted by a fluid (liquid or gas) that opposes the weight of an immersed object.
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