What Is the Difference Between Mass and Weight?

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SUMMARY

The discussion clarifies the fundamental difference between mass and weight, stating that mass is an intrinsic property of matter while weight is a force resulting from gravity acting on that matter. It emphasizes that mass remains constant regardless of location, such as on the Moon, where weight decreases due to lower gravitational pull. The formula F=m·a is introduced, where mass (m) is a key variable. For further understanding, the HyperPhysics website is recommended as a resource for exploring these concepts in depth.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic physics concepts, specifically Newton's Second Law (F=m·a)
  • Familiarity with gravitational forces and their effects on objects
  • Knowledge of intrinsic vs. extrinsic properties in scientific terms
  • Basic comprehension of scientific resources like HyperPhysics
NEXT STEPS
  • Explore the concept of gravitational force and its mathematical representation
  • Study the implications of mass in different gravitational fields
  • Investigate the relationship between mass and energy, particularly in the context of Einstein's theory
  • Review additional resources on intrinsic properties in physics
USEFUL FOR

Students, educators, and anyone interested in understanding fundamental physics concepts, particularly those related to mass and weight distinctions.

Vorbis
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Sorry for the unoriginal question but what is the differnece between mass and weight? Its been bothering me lately :frown: Does mass change? What exactly is mass?
 
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Check wikipedia:
In modern scientific usage, however, weight and mass are fundamentally different quantities: mass is an intrinsic property of matter, whereas weight is a force that results from the action of gravity on matter: it measures how strongly gravity pulls on that matter.

So your weight on the moon is less albeit your mass is the same.


What is mass?
Mass is the m in F=m\cdot a
And Mass is what causes gravity.

Mass is where the search ends, we haven't discovered some inner mechanism that produces it.
 
What do the veriables mean in the formula?
 
Thanks zapper :smile:
 

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