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

  • Thread starter Thread starter Dandy Candy
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Mass Weight
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on converting mass and weight from Earth to the Moon, emphasizing that mass remains constant while weight changes due to the Moon's gravity, which is approximately 1/6 that of Earth's. The formula for calculating weight on the Moon is provided as Moon weight = mass * g * (1/6), where g is the acceleration due to gravity, typically 9.8 m/s². The conversation also clarifies different units of force, including dyne, poundal (pdl), and Newton (N), and highlights the importance of understanding unit conversions for accurate calculations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of mass and weight concepts
  • Familiarity with gravitational acceleration values (9.8 m/s²)
  • Knowledge of unit conversion methods
  • Basic physics principles related to force and weight
NEXT STEPS
  • Learn unit conversion techniques for gravitational acceleration in different systems (e.g., cm/s², in/s²)
  • Study the definitions and applications of force units: dyne, poundal, and Newton
  • Explore the implications of gravity on weight in various celestial bodies
  • Investigate resources for physics formulas related to mass and weight calculations
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, educators teaching gravitational concepts, and anyone interested in understanding the differences in mass and weight across different celestial environments.

Dandy Candy
Messages
10
Reaction score
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 =)
 
Physics news on Phys.org
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.
 
Redbelly98

Thank you very much..

Where can I get the formulas to convert into these units?!
 
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 =)
 
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:

Similar threads

  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
Replies
5
Views
3K
Replies
11
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
Replies
21
Views
3K
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K