Chapter 3.2, Problem 30LC

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation : The difference between mass and weight is to be determined.

Concept Introduction : Mass is a measure used to quantify an object in comparison to that standard mass of 1 kilogram. Weight is a force that determines how much gravity is pulling on a particular mass.

Answer to Problem 30LC

The difference between mass and weight is listed below:

1. Mass is the measure of the amount of matter while weight is the measure of force.
2. Mass remains constant but weight depends on the place of the object.
3. There is a situation where the weight goes weightless but mass can’t be massless.

Explanation of Solution

Mass is a measure used to quantify an object in comparison to that standard mass of 1 kilogram. The kilogram is the base SI unit of mass.

The quantity of 1 L of liquid water at $4^{\text{o}}\text{C}$ is the definition of a kilogram.

Weight is a force that determines how much gravity is pulling on a particular mass.

It is a measure of force. An object's placement can affect its weight.

The difference between mass and weight is listed below:

1. Mass is the measure of the amount of matter while weight is the measure of force.
2. Mass remains constant but weight depends on the place of the object.
3. There is a situation where the weight goes weightless but mass can’t be massless.