What is the Difference Between Mass and Weight?

The difference between mass and weight lies in their definitions and how they are measured. Here are the key differences between the two concepts:

1. Definition: Mass is the measure of the amount of matter in a body, while weight is the measure of the force acting on a mass due to the acceleration caused by gravity.
2. Constancy: Mass remains constant regardless of the location, while weight changes depending on the gravitational force at a specific location.
3. Unit of Measurement: Mass is measured in kilograms (kg) or grams (g), while weight is measured in Newtons (N).
4. Inertia: Mass is a measurement of an object's tendency to resist changing its state of motion, known as inertia.
5. Gravitational Dependence: Weight is dependent on the acceleration due to gravity, which varies depending on the location, whereas mass is not affected by gravity.

For example, if you compare weight on Earth to a different place like the Moon, you get different values. Your mass on the Moon remains the same, but your weight is different because the acceleration due to gravity is different there. In everyday life, people often use the words "mass" and "weight" interchangeably, but in scientific contexts, they have distinct meanings and should not be confused.

Comparative Table: Mass vs Weight

Here is a table comparing the differences between mass and weight:

In summary, mass is an intrinsic property of an object that represents the amount of matter in it, while weight is a force that depends on the effect of gravity on the object's mass. Mass is constant and does not change regardless of its location, while weight can vary depending on the gravitational force at a specific location.