Gravity on the Moon

MoniMini

Hello,
We had a Science test today and just after the test the teacher gave out the
answers to all questions. I had a doubt which I wanted to ask. Hope you can help
me......

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data
A person can lift 60 kg of weight on the Earth. How much weight will
the respective person be able to lift if he is on the Moon?

a) 6kg b) 10kg c) 360kg d) 60kg


2. Relevant equations
I have always known that the gravity of the Moon is 5/6 times less than the Earth
i.e. 1/6 of the Earth.



3. The attempt at a solution
So, following the above equation, if a person is able to lift 60kg on earth he should be
able to lift (60 * 6)kg i.e. 360kg of weight. That's what I think, but according to my teacher
the answer should be 10kg as 60 * 1/6 = 10. I have not asked her doubt yet.

Merci beaucoup!
¬MoniMini

ehild

Hi MoniMini,

You are absolutely right. The man can exert F=60*9.8 N force, both on the Earth and on the Moon. That force can balance M=F/(9.8/6)= 6*60 kg mass on the Moon. Ask the teacher if he can hold only a mass of zero kg at zero gravity?

ehild