Weight/mass of object on moon/earth

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the concepts of weight and mass, specifically comparing the weight of an object on Earth and the Moon, given the difference in gravitational acceleration. The original poster presents a problem involving a 26kg object and seeks to calculate its weight on both celestial bodies.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to calculate the weight of the object on Earth and the Moon using the provided gravitational accelerations. Participants question the definitions of mass and weight, and whether the mass remains constant across different gravitational fields.

Discussion Status

Participants have confirmed that the mass of the object does not change regardless of location, and there is a general agreement on the calculations for weight on Earth and the Moon. However, the original poster seeks validation of their calculations and understanding of the problem.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes assumptions about the definitions of mass and weight, as well as the implications of gravitational differences between Earth and the Moon. There is a focus on ensuring clarity in the problem statement regarding the mass of the object.

anglum
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1. Homework Statement [/b]
gravity on the moon is only 1/6th as strong as gravity on earth. The acceleration of gravity is 10m/s squared
A - what is the weight of a 26kg object on the earth? answer in units of N
B - What is the weight on the moon? answer in units of N
C - What is the mass on earth? answer in units of kg
D- what is the mass on the moon? answer in units of kg

For part A

1N = 1kg * acceleration of gravity(10m/s)
so 260N = 26kg * 10 m/s squared?

for part B

1N = 1kg * acceleration of gravity (1.6667)

43.3333N = 26kg * 1.6667?

however i am not sure what to do for part c and d
 
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the mass does not change.
 
wouldnt C be 26kg and D be 26kg? since the mass remains the same but the weight changes?
 
so in the original problem when it says a 26kg object it means that the mass is 26kg?

and are my calculations correct for part A and B
 
anglum said:
wouldnt C be 26kg and D be 26kg? since the mass remains the same but the weight changes?

That's correct.
 
yes, exactly.
 

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