Concept in Definition ABC

Weight for physics is the measure of the force that gravity exerts on a given bodyAlthough now, since we are at a time to clarify the concept, it is worth distinguishing it from the term "mass", which is very common to be used instead and as a synonym for the concept of weight.

In the vicinity of land surface, the acceleration of gravity is approximately constant; This means that the weight of a material object is proportional to its mass. In the case of our planet, the value of gravity averages 9.8 m / s2, with a minimum increase at the poles. Since the weight of an object depends directly on gravity, bodies weigh less in celestial bodies such as the Moon or Mars, despite maintaining the same mass. On the other hand, in Jupiter or in the Sun, the greater force of gravity determines an increase in weight, although the mass (amount of matter) remains constant. As an interesting paradox, in the face of a celestial body of immeasurable gravity (like a black hole), the bodies would adopt such a weight that it would motivate the loss of their molecular structure.

Being a force, the weight is measured through a dynamometer and its unit in the international system is the newton. One newton is equal to 1 kg per meter per second squared. This kilogram (mass) should not be confused with the kilogram force, which is used to measure weight in the "traditional" system of units. Approximately, a 1 kg force equals 9.8 newtons.

While, the word peso is also used to refer to the legal tender currencies in eight countries of America and the Philippines, but which, of course, do not have the same value and exchange rate: they only share an identical denomination. The origin of this means of payment dates back to the time of the Spanish conquest of America, more precisely in the 15th century. It was coined in circumstances of the reform Spanish currency that created several currencies, including the peso. However, it will not be until the 16th century that it begins to be used in America, minting an equivalent in a silver coin that bore the original name of hard or strong peso. So with this of course it is more than demonstrated the economic dependence that the continent American maintained at that time with what was called mother country.

Among the countries that currently use the peso as their official currency are Argentina, Chile, the Philippines, Colombia, Cuba, Mexico, the Dominican Republic and Uruguay. Meanwhile, it is also used as a bargaining chip by some organisms such as the Central American Common Market, the Andean Community of Nations and the Integration Central American.

Other Spanish-speaking countries that also knew how to use it in their economy they were Bolivia, Guatemala, Paraguay, Puerto Rico and Venezuela. At present, it has been replaced respectively by the currency units denominated Bolivianos, Quetzales, Guaraníes, American Dollars and Strong Bolivars.

The particular case of Argentina deserves a distinctive comment. As a consequence of different crisis processes financial and economic in general, that country has adopted different monetary signs called "pesos", whose specific value has been devalued considerably over the decades. The first way to weight it was called "national currency" and circulated from the 19th century until 1970, when it was replaced by the so-called "weightlaw 18188 ", after removing 2 zeros from the denomination. This monetary unit was in force until 1983, when it was replaced by the "Argentine peso", after the removal of four zeros. Only 2 years later, the austral was designed (the only Argentine monetary sign that was not called "weight"), which was withdrawn from circulation in 1992 to be replaced by the current peso. Therefore, the current Argentine currency ("weight", just) is equivalent to 100,000,000,000,000,000 pesos in national currency.