Could Elements Weigh Differently on Other Planets?

In summary, the conversation discussed the concept of weight and how it can vary depending on the unit of measurement, the type of material being weighed, and the gravitational force present. The question of whether a pound of gold can weigh more than a pound of silver was also explored, with the conclusion being that it is not possible unless there are extreme circumstances. The mention of weight in relation to the universe as a whole was deemed irrelevant. The conversation also touched on the potential for weights of elements to vary on other planets, which was dismissed as a personal speculation.
  • #1
John1397
186
18
I am not an engineer so I was wondering if a pound of gold can ever weigh more than a pound of silver under any circumstances relative to the universe as a whole?

John
 
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  • #2
The question doesn't make sense. A pound is a pound is a pound. They are all equal. But "relative to the universe as a whole" has no meaning I can discern.
 
  • #3
It depends upon which 'pound' unit you are using.

Pounds avoirdupois consist of 7000 grains or approx. 453.6 g
Pounds troy consist of 5760 grains or approx. 373.2 g

1 pound avoirdupois is also divided into 16 ounces, while the troy pound is divided into 12 troy ounces.

When quoting the price of a precious metal like gold, the amount is always for 1 troy ounce.
 
  • #4
There is much more stuff. If you are talking a bout the rest mass it will not change as far as we know, but there is also the relativistic mass, and then there is weight (the gravitational force on a planet) So in a way the question is one of language and not of physics.
 
  • #5
I was thinking in the terms of Dimensionless Numbers when posting question.

John
 
  • #6
SteamKing said:
It depends upon which 'pound' unit you are using.

Pounds avoirdupois consist of 7000 grains or approx. 453.6 g
Pounds troy consist of 5760 grains or approx. 373.2 g

1 pound avoirdupois is also divided into 16 ounces, while the troy pound is divided into 12 troy ounces.

When quoting the price of a precious metal like gold, the amount is always for 1 troy ounce.

0xDEADBEEF said:
There is much more stuff. If you are talking a bout the rest mass it will not change as far as we know, but there is also the relativistic mass, and then there is weight (the gravitational force on a planet) So in a way the question is one of language and not of physics.
Let us assume in the context of the OP, that one uses the same unit of mass in the same inertial frame in the same gravitational field. Then a pound is a pound as Russ mentioned. The number of moles (atoms) will be different and volumes will be different.

Silver has an atomic weight (mass) of 107.87 amu and density of 10490 kg/m3, and gold has an atomic mass of 196.97 amu and density of 19300 kg/m3. The density is reported at room temperature and 1 atm pressure.
 
  • #7
John
I am not an engineer so I was wondering if a pound of gold can ever weigh more than a pound of silver under any circumstances relative to the universe as a whole?

The short answer is no since the measure 1 pound mass is almost independent of the material considered and quite independent for practical purposes.

However

The weight of a 1 pound mass is a measure of the force of attraction of gravity, which in turn is the aggregated sum of the forces of attraction of all the particles.
Now it is entirely conceivable that one pound mass of rarified gas in a tall thin column might aggregate to less attractive force than a flat, consolidated lump of gold because the upper particles are further away and therefore subject to a smaller force of attraction in the gas column.
However you have specified gold and silver which will make very similar lumps.

The other issue is whether you can fit an exact number of atoms of either into one pound mass.
So if you wish to measure the quantity of gold or silver by whole numbers of atoms then yes the gold will weigh more.
Further both metals have isotopes that would change these weights slightly if included.
 
Last edited:
  • #8
Which weighs more? A pound of lead or a pound of feathers?
 
  • #9
SteamKing said:
Which weighs more? A pound of lead or a pound of feathers?
You are off topic because gold and silver are both precious metals. Stop. Now.
John1397 said:
I am not an engineer so I was wondering if a pound of gold can ever weigh more than a pound of silver under any circumstances
Yes. A pound of gold at the center of the Earth weighs nothing, more or less. An avoirdupois pound of silver at the mantle-core boundary weighs more than a pound (pound force).

relative to the universe as a whole?
This makes no sense, so I ignored this part of your question.
 
  • #10
D H said:
This makes no sense, so I ignored this part of your question.


Just speculating that on other planets weights of elements could be different.
 
  • #11
John1397 said:
Just speculating that on other planets weights of elements could be different.
No.

Read our rules on posting "personal theories or speculations that go beyond or counter to generally-accepted science."

Thread locked.
 

What is the difference between gold and silver?

Gold and silver are both precious metals that have been used for thousands of years as currency, jewelry, and investments. However, there are several key differences between them.

Firstly, gold is a much rarer metal than silver, with a limited supply and higher demand. This makes gold more valuable and more expensive than silver. Secondly, gold is a denser metal than silver, meaning the same weight of gold will take up less space than silver. Finally, gold has a distinctive yellow color, while silver is known for its metallic white shine.

Which is a better investment: gold or silver?

Both gold and silver can be good investments, depending on your financial goals and risk tolerance. Gold is generally seen as a more stable and secure investment, with less volatility than silver. This makes it a popular choice for long-term investments and for hedging against economic uncertainty. On the other hand, silver can offer higher returns in a shorter period of time, making it a more attractive option for investors looking for quick profits.

Why is gold more expensive than silver?

As mentioned earlier, gold is a much rarer metal than silver, with a limited supply and higher demand. This is due to the fact that gold is not only used for jewelry and investments, but also has many industrial applications, such as in electronics and dentistry. Additionally, gold has been seen as a symbol of wealth and status for centuries, adding to its desirability and value.

Can you use gold and silver interchangeably?

While both gold and silver are valuable metals, they cannot be used interchangeably. Gold is a much denser and stronger metal than silver, making it more suitable for jewelry and other high-end applications. Silver, on the other hand, is softer and more malleable, making it better for industrial uses such as in electronics and photography. Additionally, the value and demand for gold and silver differ, so they cannot be used as a substitute for one another in investments.

Are there any health benefits to wearing gold or silver jewelry?

There is no scientific evidence to suggest that wearing gold or silver jewelry has any health benefits. However, some people believe that wearing gold or silver jewelry can help alleviate joint pain or improve overall well-being. These beliefs are not supported by scientific research and should not be relied upon for medical purposes.

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