Name: Weight of an Object on Moon
Uploaded: 2019-07-19
Duration: 7 min 1 s
Description: In many space videos, astronauts are seen hopping on the surface of the moon due to their reduced weights. Watch the video to learn how to find weight on the...

Question

What is the difference between mass and weight. How does weight of an object change on moving from equator to poles? Where can weight of an object be zero?

Accepted Answer

Differences between mass and weight:

Mass Weight

1. The total quantity of matter contained in a body, is called its mass. 1. The force acts on a body due to gravity is called weight.

2. We can measure mass of an object by its inertia. 2. $W = m g$

3. Mass of the object remains the same at all places. 3. Weight of a body is different at different places.

4. Measurement of mass is done by using a pan or beam balance. 4. Measurements of weight is done by using a spring balance.

5. Mass of the object does not change even if the value of $g$ is zero at any place. 5.Weight of a body becomes zero, if value of $g$ is zero at a place.

6. It is a scalar quantity. 6. It is a vector quantity.

The weight of an object increases on moving from equator to poles because, $W = m g$ and gravity at equator is less than that at the poles.

The weight of an object is zero where $g$ is zero i.e., at the centre of earth as weight is the measure of the normal contact force on a body if this comes out to be zero, then the weight of the object will be zero.

What is the difference between mass and weight. How does weight of an object change on moving from equator to poles? Where can weight of an object be zero?

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