Mass vs Size: Does Size Affect Mass?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the relationship between size and mass, specifically questioning whether an object the size of a marble can possess the same mass as a planet like Earth. It concludes that size does matter in relation to mass due to gravitational forces and density. The concept of density is crucial, as it explains why dense objects are typically larger, as gravity must counteract repulsive forces. Furthermore, the Schwarzschild radius for an object with Earth's mass is approximately 9mm, indicating that compressing such mass to marble size would likely result in a black hole.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of density and its implications in physics
  • Familiarity with gravitational forces and their effects
  • Knowledge of the Schwarzschild radius concept
  • Basic principles of nuclear physics, particularly proton-proton repulsion
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the concept of density in physics and its mathematical formulation
  • Explore gravitational theory and its implications on mass and size
  • Study the Schwarzschild radius and its significance in black hole physics
  • Investigate nuclear forces, specifically proton-proton interactions and their effects on mass
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, astrophysicists, and anyone interested in the fundamental principles of mass, size, and gravity.

raeshun
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does size matter when it comes to mass.For instance can something the size of a marble weight as much as a planet like earth?
 
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Size (re mass) matters when it comes to gravity at the surface or questions of density. The different forms of matter have the sorts of densities they do because there are repulsive forces balancing out gravity and whatever other pressures we can bring to bear.

For something the mass of the Earth to get to be the size of a marble - there must be some mechanism to get it that small against the proton-proton repulsion as the nuclei squash together (for example). Thus, objects that dense tend to also be very large so the gravity can hold them together.

Note: the Schwartzschild radius of an object of Earth mass is about 9mm ... a smallish marble would be about a centimeter across, so anything capable of shrinking an Earth mass to that scale is likely to create a black hole instead.
 
raeshun said:
does size matter when it comes to mass.For instance can something the size of a marble weight as much as a planet like earth?

Are you aware of the concept of density?

Zz.
 

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