Weight, Mass & Gravity Flashcards

All 6 cards in this deck

What is weight?

The force acting on an object due to gravity, measured in newtons (N).

What is mass?

The amount of matter in an object, measured in kilograms (kg); it does not change with location.

What is meant by the 'centre of mass' of an object?

The point from which the weight may be considered to act (the point where the mass appears to be concentrated).

Where is the centre of mass of a uniform sphere or a uniform rectangular sheet?

At its geometric centre.

What instrument is used to measure the weight of an object?

A calibrated spring-balance (a newtonmeter).

True or false? An astronaut's mass is smaller on the Moon than on Earth.

False. Mass stays the same; the weight is smaller because the Moon's gravitational field strength is smaller.