Mass vs. Weight

Related, but not the same! Definitions Mass – Amount of stuff (matter) in an object Weight – Force exerted on an object because of a planet’s gravity Related, but not the same! Mass ≠ Weight!

How to Find Mass Use a balance ( units are g, kg)

How to Find Weight 1. Use a spring scale Calculate it! W = mg, m= mass, g= gravity (9.8)

Weight Varies, Mass Does Not If you move to a different location, the amount of stuff in you doesn’t change, so your mass is always the same. BUT the force of gravity may be different, causing your weight to be different.

A Side-by-Side Comparison Mass Weight Symbol m w Unit kilogram (kg) or gram (g) Newton (N) How to Determine Use a balance Use a spring scale Constancy Object has same mass everywhere Object’s weight depends on location (planet, etc.)

Mass vs. Weight

What’s the difference?

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