Illustrating difference of mass and weight

AI Thread Summary
Mass is a measure of the amount of matter in an object and remains constant regardless of location. Weight, on the other hand, is the force exerted by gravity on that mass and varies based on the gravitational pull of the environment. For example, a person's mass stays the same on Earth, the Moon, or in space, but their weight decreases on the Moon due to lower gravity. Understanding this distinction is crucial for grasping concepts in physics. Clarifying these definitions can help resolve confusion about the homework question.
cam875
Messages
227
Reaction score
0
I have a question for homework and it says I have to illustrate the difference between mass and weight, I am totally confused and don't no what the difference is, can anyone help?

thanks in advance.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
look up "mass" and "weight" in the index of your textbook.
 
A simple example is you. Your mass is the same no matter where you are, but your weight will change depending on your location (earth, moon, space station).
 

Thread 'Is calling fictitious forces "not real" just about terminology?'

Hi there, im studying nanoscience at the university in Basel. Today I looked at the topic of intertial and non-inertial reference frames and the existence of fictitious forces. I understand that you call forces real in physics if they appear in interplay. Meaning that a force is real when there is the "actio" partner to the "reactio" partner. If this condition is not satisfied the force is not real. I also understand that if you specifically look at non-inertial reference frames you can...
View full post »

Thread 'Derivation of Hamilton's Principle: Questions'

I have recently been really interested in the derivation of Hamiltons Principle. On my research I found that with the term ##m \cdot \frac{d}{dt} (\frac{dr}{dt} \cdot \delta r) = 0## (1) one may derivate ##\delta \int (T - V) dt = 0## (2). The derivation itself I understood quiet good, but what I don't understand is where the equation (1) came from, because in my research it was just given and not derived from anywhere. Does anybody know where (1) comes from or why from it the...
View full post »

Similar threads

I Apparent Weight problem (falling beam)
Replies
2
Views
2K
B The weight of one of three bricks
Replies
6
Views
715
Mass vs Mass as a Force (Weight)
5
Replies
202
Views
12K
B Why Is an Object's Weight Equal to the Force of Gravity It Experiences?
2
Replies
51
Views
4K
I Will This Friction Clamp Hold the Weight?
Replies
10
Views
2K
B How Does Inclined Load Affect Weight Distribution When Moving a Cabinet?
Replies
1
Views
1K
B Understanding Weight and Inertia: A Comparison of Mars and Earth
Replies
46
Views
4K
What is the relationship between mass and weight?
Replies
4
Views
2K
Ideal Ball weight to get the maximum range from a ball launcher?
Replies
3
Views
1K
Equvialence of Gravity Weight and PSI
Replies
18
Views
19K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top