Mass vs. Weight in space questions

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on the differences between mass and weight in the context of an experiment conducted on Earth versus the Moon. Mass, measured in kilograms, remains constant regardless of location, while weight, measured in Newtons, varies due to differences in gravitational pull. The participant initially misunderstood the relationship, suggesting that mass would change on the Moon due to the operation of the triple beam balance, which relies on gravity. However, it was clarified that weight decreases on the Moon because of lower gravity, while mass remains unchanged. The slope of the weight versus mass graph would also change due to the altered weight values.
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The lab that we did measured mass vs. weight. We took eight objects and found that mass using the triple beam balance (units in Kg) and the found the weight using a spring scale (units in Newtons)


Homework Statement



Assume that this experiement had been performed on the moon istead on on Earth. Decide which of the following quantities would have the same values and which would be different. Discuss either why that quantity would not change, or if it would chamge, how it would be different and why?

Homework Equations



The mass of each object:

The weight of each object:

The slope of the weight vs. mass graph:

Theequation relating mass and weight:

The Attempt at a Solution



The mass: I said the mass would change because a triple beam balance relies on gravity, therefore, it would not work on the moon.

The weight: it would not change bc it does not rely on gravity

The slope of the weight vs. mass graph: I calculated the slope to be 11.43 using two points on my graph, and I think it would chamge because the mass would change, as I said above.

The equation relating mass and weight: My equation was y=11.43x there was no y intercept because we started the line at the origin. So I think the equation would change because the slope would change.

Thank you!
 
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You might want to re-think your definition of mass and weight. What defines mass and what defines weight?
 
I believe that you have your two definitions of mass and weight switched around. Mass is the same wherever you go. Weight = mass*gravity. The moon has less gravity and thus the weight would be less.
 
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