MASS AND WEIGHT

DEFINITIONS Mass- the amount of matter an object has. Matter- something that has mass and takes up space. Weight- is the gravitational force on an object.

Units for Measuring Mass The base unit of mass in the metric system is the kilogram and is represented by kg. 1 paper clip is about 1 gram The average adult human has a mass of 75kg.

Tools for Measuring Mass **The Triple Beam Balance is the tool we use to measure mass.

Riders Beams

How to use a Triple Beam Balance Make sure the balance scale is at zero. Place the object to be weighed on the balance plate and move the largest RIDER one notch at a time until the beam drops. Move the rider back one notch until it locks into place.

3. Move the next largest rider until the beam drops 3. Move the next largest rider until the beam drops. Back it up one notch, and lock it in place. 4. Move the smallest rider until the beam swings equally above and below the zero mark.

ADD UP ALL THE NUMBERS AND THAT WILL GIVE YOU THE MASS! **Always remember to write the unit of mass down. (ex.- kg, g)**

MASS vs. WEIGHT Always remains constant Depends on gravity Does not depend on gravity weight=mass x gravity weight of an object changes if the gravity changes