Max Lifting Potential on Earth vs. Moon

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of gravitational acceleration and its effect on lifting potential on Earth compared to the Moon. The original poster presents a scenario involving lifting weight and questions the implications of differing gravitational forces.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the relationship between weight and mass in different gravitational fields, questioning whether lifting capacity remains constant regardless of location. There is a focus on understanding the distinction between weight as a force and the ability to lift mass.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants providing insights and clarifications regarding the original poster's assumptions. Some participants express confusion about the reasoning behind lifting capacity on the Moon versus Earth, while others affirm the original poster's thoughts and elaborate on the concepts involved.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the implications of gravitational differences without definitive consensus on the explanation of lifting capacity. The original poster's concern about a potential trick question indicates uncertainty in interpreting the problem.

freerider78
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Homework Statement



The gravitational acceleration on the moon is 1.62 m/s2. If you can barely lift 195 lbf on earth, what would be the max you could lift on the moon (give answer in N).

Homework Equations



F=mg


The Attempt at a Solution



I have a feeling this is a trick question and the answer is the max weight you can lift would be the same here or on the moon. You could lift 6X more mass, but not weight. I'm not sure how to explain this thought. Any help.
 
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I was about to fall for the trick and do the math.
freerider78 said:
...the max weight you can lift would be the same here or on the moon. You could lift 6X more mass, but not weight...

What's wrong with this?
 
your answer is good--but I mean, there really is no mathematical explanation. All you are saying is that if you can lift 195 on Earth you can lift the same on the moon because hopefully you don't undergo to much genetic mutation as you are struck with cosmic rays on the moon/on the way to the moon.
 
I know its a good answer, I just don't quite understand why I could lift the same weight here and on the moon. Sometimes its the easy stuff that trips me up.
 
Because weight is force, and you're just as strong and forcefull on the moon as you are here. You already figured it out that this same force will allow you to lift 6 times as much mass.
 

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