Difference Between Mass And Weight – Eduauraa

If there is one debate going on for a long time in the scientific community, it is about the difference between mass and weight.

The fact is that both the words can be used interchangeably but technically speaking, they are not the same.

Probably, on planet Earth, the difference between them is not as significant as it is related to the gravitational force.

Technically speaking mass is the measure of the matter that is present in the material.

The way the gravitational force acts on this matter is termed as weight.

If an object is kept stable upon the surface of the Earth, both of them can be found to be relatively similar.

It is important to look into the differences between them in more detail.

What is mass?

All objects are made of neutrons, protons and electrons, and if, hypothetically speaking, all of them could be measured and added, the mass of an object could be obtained.

It denoted how much stuff is present in an object. The most common units that are used to represent mass are grams and kilograms. 

Mass is a constant entity. It is not influenced by any force and is constant in all aspects.

The total measurement of mass can never equal zero as every matter has some particles in them.

The mass does not undergo any change in changing the position of the object as well.

It can be termed a scalar quantity as its magnitude can be measured at all times using appropriate instruments.

It can either include simple instruments or complex ones based on inertia. 

What is weight?

Planet Earth has gravitational force acting on it which affects all the objects that are present.

Weight is the force that acts on the mass of an object which is caused by the acceleration due to gravity.

Therefore, it can be deciphered that the weight depends on the gravitational force.

If the force is more, the weight of the object increases and if it is less the weight decreases.

The most common unit used to measure weight is Newton, which is similar to the unit of force.

A unique aspect of gravity is that it can be zero.

If no gravitational force is acting on an object as it is seen in space, the weight gets completely nullified.

The gravitational pull is different at various locations of the Earth as well.

Therefore, as a person moves from one place to another, the weight can also vary accordingly. It is considered to be a vector as it is not only dependent on the magnitude but also the direction of gravity.

Gravitational force is directed towards the Earth’s centre. Weight is measured using a spring balance which suspends an object so that gravity can act on it. 

How do you measure mass and weight?

One of the basic methods of measuring mass as well as weight is a gravitational balance.

You have to place the object on balance, and the reading that comes on the display is the mass.

However, there is a catch.

The balance measures the weight by calculating the force the object puts on the spring and then converting it into mass using a relational formula.

This balance will only work on Earth as the gravitational force is defined.

If you take the same scale to Mars, the reading on it will not be accurate.

Suppose you are looking for an instrument that is very specific in measuring only mass and is not related to the gravitational force in any way.

In that case, an inertial balance can be used. It consists of a tray with two metal bands at the end, which oscillates to and fro when some object is kept on it.

The restoring force that is created when the object is placed on the band is what causes it.

As the mass increases, the frequency of oscillation decreases.

The mass of an object can be measured by correlating this frequency with the periodic motion by collecting appropriate data.

It mimics the functioning of a spring balance itself.  

How are mass and weight-related?

The simple formula used to find an association between weight and mass is W= M*g, where W= weight and M= mass while g is the gravitational force acting on it.

On Earth, the value of g is relatively stable at 9.8.

There is a slight variation in weight between mountain tops and sea levels as an object becomes relatively lighter at a higher altitude due to a lower effect of gravity.

Conclusion

Even though mass and weight appear to be relatively similar, certain striking differences need to be considered while understanding the implications of the terms and their application in a scientific context.

The importance of gravitational force exerted on an object is instrumental in determining its mass and weight.