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

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around converting mass and weight of objects from Earth to the Moon, where the gravitational acceleration is approximately one-sixth that of Earth's. Participants are tasked with completing a table that includes mass and weight in different units for various items.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the constancy of mass when moving from Earth to the Moon and explore how to calculate weight using the formula involving gravitational acceleration. There are questions about unit conversions for weight in different systems, including dyne, poundal, and Newton.

Discussion Status

Some participants have confirmed that mass remains unchanged, while others are clarifying the correct approach to calculating weight on the Moon. There is ongoing exploration of unit conversions and the appropriate values of gravitational acceleration in different units.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty regarding the conversion of gravitational acceleration into different units and the definitions of various force units. There is a mention of potential gaps in prior instruction regarding these concepts.

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
4K
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