Weight is defined as:-

Options

A. Force of attraction by the earth
B. Mass of a body
C. Nature of the body
D. None of these

Explanation

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Weight**: Weight is defined as the force exerted on an object due to gravity. It is a vector quantity, which means it has both magnitude and direction.

2. **Formula for Weight**: The weight (W) of an object can be mathematically expressed as:
\[ W = m \times g \]
where:
- \( W \) = weight of the object,
- \( m \) = mass of the object,
- \( g \) = acceleration due to gravity.

3. **Acceleration due to Gravity**: The acceleration due to gravity (g) at the surface of the Earth can be derived from Newton's law of universal gravitation. It is given by:
\[ g = \frac{G \cdot M_e}{R_e^2} \]
where:
- \( G \) = universal gravitational constant,
- \( M_e \) = mass of the Earth,
- \( R_e \) = radius of the Earth.

4. **Gravitational Force**: The weight can also be understood as the gravitational force acting on the object due to the Earth. According to Newton's law of universal gravitation, the force of attraction (F) between two masses (m and M) is given by:
\[ F = \frac{G \cdot m \cdot M}{r^2} \]
In this case, the object (mass m) is attracted towards the Earth (mass \( M_e \)).

5. **Conclusion**: Therefore, weight can be defined as the force of gravitational attraction that the Earth exerts on a body. This leads to the conclusion that:
\[ W = m \cdot g = \frac{G \cdot m \cdot M_e}{R_e^2} \]