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

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the distinction between mass and weight in the context of a 7th grade shoe drag lab experiment. When a rock is added to the shoe, the mass of the shoe increases, which in turn increases its weight due to the gravitational force acting on the added mass. The relevant equation that relates mass to weight is W = m * g, where W is weight, m is mass, and g is the acceleration due to gravity.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic physics concepts: mass and weight
  • Familiarity with the equation W = m * g
  • Knowledge of forces and motion
  • Experience with simple experiments involving measurement
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  • Explore the concept of gravitational force and its effects
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  • Investigate how to conduct experiments that measure force and mass
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for middle school science teachers, students learning about physics concepts, and anyone interested in understanding the fundamental principles of mass and weight in experiments.

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?)