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Chapter 4: Problem 24

What is the difference between weight and mass?

Short Answer

Expert verified
The difference between weight and mass is that mass is a measure of the amount of matter in an object, and is constant regardless of location, while weight is the force exerted on the object by gravity, and therefore changes depending on the strength of the gravitational field.

Step by step solution

01

Define Mass

Mass refers to the amount of matter in an object, independent of the effect of gravity. It does not change, regardless of where the object is in the universe. It can be seen as a measure of inertia, that is, the resistance an object has to any change in its state of rest or motion. It is measured in kilograms (kg) in the International System of Units.
02

Define Weight

Weight, on the other hand, is the force exerted on an object due to gravity. It is dependent on the mass of the object and the acceleration due to gravity, which can vary depending on where the object is located in the universe. The weight of an object can be calculated using the formula: W=mg, where W is the weight, m is the mass, and g is the acceleration due to gravity. It is measured in newtons (N).
03

Explain the difference

The major difference between weight and mass is that mass is an intrinsic property of matter, while weight is a force that results from the gravitational attraction between a mass and the planet. Therefore, while an object's mass remains constant irrespective of its location in the universe, its weight changes based on the gravitational field strength at that location.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

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