What is the difference between mass and weight?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking for the distinction between mass and weight, specifically focusing on their definitions and differences in physics. Mass refers to the amount of matter in an object, while weight is the force exerted by gravity on that object.
Answer
Mass is the amount of matter in an object, and weight is the force of gravity on it.
Mass is the amount of matter in an object and remains constant regardless of location. Weight is the gravitational force acting on an object and varies depending on the gravitational field strength. Mass is measured in kilograms, while weight is measured in newtons.
Answer for screen readers
Mass is the amount of matter in an object and remains constant regardless of location. Weight is the gravitational force acting on an object and varies depending on the gravitational field strength. Mass is measured in kilograms, while weight is measured in newtons.
More Information
Mass is expressed in units like kilograms or grams and is a scalar quantity, meaning it only has magnitude. Weight, however, is a vector quantity, as it has both magnitude and direction (towards the center of the gravitational field).
Tips
A common mistake is to use mass and weight interchangeably. Always remember that mass doesn't change with location, but weight does.
Sources
- Explainer: How do mass and weight differ? - Science News Explores - snexplores.org
- What Is the Difference Between Weight and Mass? - ThoughtCo - thoughtco.com
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