How to Convert Mass and Weight on Earth to Mass and Weight on the Moon?

In summary, we are given a table with items and their mass on Earth, and we are asked to complete the table by finding the weight of each item on the moon. We use the formula: Moon weight = mass * g * (1/6) where g is the acceleration due to gravity on the moon, which is about 1/6 of Earth's. The units for weight on the moon are dyne, pdl, and N, which are all different force units. To convert to these units, we need to use conversion factors for meters, centimeters, and inches. The poundal is a relatively obscure unit, but can be found through a google search.
  • #1
Dandy Candy
10
0

Homework Statement



A number of objects are taken to the moon, where the acceleration due to gravity is about 1/6 of earth's.Complete the following table:

Item----------Mass on Earth-----Mass on Moon-----Weight on Moon---Weight on Moon

Paper clip ---------1.2 g -------------- g --------------g(f) --------------- dyne

Can of cola -------0.56 lb(m)----------lb(m) ------------lb(f) -- ------------- pdl

Hammer------------1.3 kg -------------kg -------------kg(f) ----------------- N


Homework Equations




The Attempt at a Solution



I think the mass on Moon will not change..right??!

the weight on Moon(the third column ) = mass*9.8*1/6 ...!

what is ( dyne, pdl,N)?! How to convert to these units ??




THANX =)
 
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  • #2
Dandy Candy said:

Homework Statement



A number of objects are taken to the moon, where the acceleration due to gravity is about 1/6 of earth's.Complete the following table:

Item----------Mass on Earth-----Mass on Moon-----Weight on Moon---Weight on Moon

Paper clip ---------1.2 g -------------- g --------------g(f) --------------- dyne

Can of cola -------0.56 lb(m)----------lb(m) ------------lb(f) -- ------------- pdl

Hammer------------1.3 kg -------------kg -------------kg(f) ----------------- N


Homework Equations




The Attempt at a Solution



I think the mass on Moon will not change..right??!
Correct.
the weight on Moon(the third column ) = mass*9.8*1/6 ...!
Almost, but not quite.

Moon weight = mass * g * (1/6)​

The numerical value of g depends on what system of units are being used. It's 9.8 m/s^2, but if you use cm or inches then it would be different than 9.8

what is ( dyne, pdl,N)?! How to convert to these units ??

Those are all different force units.
pdl is an abbreviation for poundals (different than pounds)
N is Newtons.
 
  • #3
Redbelly98

Thank you very much..

Where can I get the formulas to convert into these units?!
 
  • #4
Moon weight = mass * g * (1/6)
The numerical value of g depends on what system of units are being used. It's 9.8 m/s^2, but if you use cm or inches then it would be different than 9.8


If I am using cm or inches .. what will the value be ??

thanx again =)
 
  • #5
To convert 9.8 m/s^2 into the other units, use these facts:

1 m = ____ cm?
1 m = ____ inches?

From those conversion factors, use the normal methods for converting units.

You might try a google search to see what dynes, poundals, or Newtons are. But your teacher/professor really should have talked about these in class already. Seriously, if he did not at least discuss what a Newton is, he should be fired.

EDIT. The poundal is a rather obscure unit. I did find this info:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poundal
 
Last edited:

What is the difference between mass and weight?

Mass refers to the amount of matter in an object, while weight is the measure of the force of gravity acting on an object. Mass is a constant property of an object, while weight can vary depending on the strength of the gravitational field.

How do you convert between mass and weight?

To convert from mass to weight, you can use the formula W = mg, where W is weight, m is mass, and g is the acceleration due to gravity. To convert from weight to mass, you can use the formula m = W/g, where m is mass, W is weight, and g is the acceleration due to gravity.

What is the standard unit of measurement for mass and weight?

The standard unit of measurement for mass is the kilogram (kg), while the standard unit of measurement for weight is the Newton (N). However, in everyday use, mass is often measured in grams (g) and weight is often measured in pounds (lbs).

Can mass and weight be converted between different units of measurement?

Yes, mass and weight can be converted between different units of measurement. This is because the relationship between mass and weight is linear, meaning that the conversion factor between different units is constant.

Why is it important to know the difference between mass and weight?

It is important to know the difference between mass and weight because they are often used interchangeably in everyday language, but they have very different meanings in the scientific context. Understanding the distinction between the two can prevent confusion and ensure accurate calculations in scientific experiments and applications.

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