Are You Confused About Mass vs. Weight in the Shoe Drag Lab?

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In the shoe drag lab, adding a rock to the shoe increases its mass, which in turn increases its weight due to the gravitational force acting on the mass. The relationship between mass and weight is defined by the equation: weight = mass x gravity. Understanding this distinction is crucial for accurately interpreting the lab results. The increase in mass from the rock directly correlates to an increase in weight, affecting the rubber band's stretch measurement. Clarifying this concept is essential for students to grasp the principles of physics involved in the experiment.
Mike Powell
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I am teaching 7th grade Science.

We are doing the shoe drag lab. To start we drag a shoe across the floor with a rubber band. Then we add a rock to the shoe and drag it again, measuring the stretch of the rubber band with a ruler.
My question is: by adding a rock to the shoe, are we adding mass or weight?

Mike

P.S. Please help, I have to know the answer before tomorrow morning.
 
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You are increasing mass.
 
Which increases its weight.

EDIT -- Quiz Question: Why?

(hint: What equation relates mass to the force of weight?)
 

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