Chapter 3, Problem 14A

When does an object with twice the mass of another weigh twice as much?

To determine

The condition when an object with twice the mass of another weighs twice as much.

Answer to Problem 14A

The object with twice the mass as another would always weigh twice as much, since mass and weight are proportional.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

Mass is the quantity of matter contained in a body. Weight is the gravitational force acting on the body.

One kilogram of mass weighs one Newton on Earth. Hence, a body of mass 2 kg would weigh 2 N. This is because, the Earth would attract the 2 kg mass with twice the amount of force. As the mass increases, its weight increases proportionally. It can therefore be concluded that if a body has twice the mass of another body, it would also weigh twice as much, since the gravitational force acting on it will be twice as that acting on the other body.

Conclusion:

Thus, the object with twice the mass as another would always weigh twice as much, since mass and weight are proportional.