Mass Versus Weight

Mass Mass is the quantity of matter in an object. Mass is one of the properties of matter – this means that we can describe matter by measuring its mass. We use a triple-beam balance to measure mass. Mass is measured in grams, or any metric conversion of a gram.

Weight Weight is another property of matter – this means that we can describe matter by measuring its weight. Although we use the word weight in everyday language to refer to how many pounds and ounces something is, what we are really referring to is the object’s mass. In science, weight is not the same thing as mass.

Weight is the product of the object’s mass and the effects of gravity. Weight is a Force! Because weight is a force, it is measured using a spring scale and measured in Newtons.

The force of gravity is the attractive force, or pull, between the earth and all other objects. Because gravity is a force, and it affects an object’s weight, weight is a force as well! The closer to the surface of the earth an object is, the stronger the gravitational attraction on the object.

What happens to the weight of an object as it moves away from the Earth?

The force of attraction between the object and the Earth decreases and thus the object’s weight becomes less. Keep in mind, the matter that makes up the object is still present, and unchanged. All the same atoms and molecules are there, arranged in the same size and shape; so the object’s mass does not change.