Here are the answers to your physics worksheet, with all work and units shown.
1. Define Mass
Mass is the amount of matter (or "stuff") in an object. It is measured in kilograms (kg). Mass stays the same no matter where you are in the universe.
2. Define Weight
Weight is the force of gravity acting on an object. It depends on how much mass the object has and how strong the gravity is. It is measured in Newtons (N).
3. Describe what will happen (if anything) to mass and weight when you go to the moon.
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Mass: Your mass will stay exactly the same.
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Weight: Your weight will decrease (you will weigh less).
a. Why would this happen?
This happens because mass is just the amount of atoms in your body, which doesn't change when you travel. However, weight is a measurement of how hard gravity pulls on you. The Moon is smaller than Earth, so it has weaker gravity. Because the pull of gravity is weaker on the Moon, your weight goes down.
4. Find the weight of a 60 kg astronaut on earth.
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Given:
* Mass ($m$) = $60\text{ kg}$
* Gravity on Earth ($g$) = $9.8\text{ m/s}^2$
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Formula: $W = m \times g$
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Calculation:
$$W = 60\text{ kg} \times 9.8\text{ m/s}^2$$
$$W = 588\text{ N}$$
a. Find the weight of the same object on a planet where the gravitational attraction has been reduced to 1/10 of the earth’s pull.
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Step 1: Find the new gravity.
Since the gravity is $1/10$ of Earth's, we divide Earth's gravity by 10.
$$New\ Gravity = \frac{9.8}{10} = 0.98\text{ m/s}^2$$
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Step 2: Calculate the new weight.
* Mass ($m$) = $60\text{ kg}$ (mass does not change)
* New Gravity ($g$) = $0.98\text{ m/s}^2$
* Formula: $W = m \times g$
* Calculation:
$$W = 60\text{ kg} \times 0.98\text{ m/s}^2$$
$$W = 58.8\text{ N}$$
*(Note: You can also solve part 'a' by simply taking the answer from question 4 and dividing it by 10: $588 / 10 = 58.8$)*
Final Answer:
1.
Mass: The amount of matter in an object (measured in kg).
2.
Weight: The force of gravity on an object (measured in N).
3.
Moon Trip: Mass stays the same; Weight decreases.
a. Reason: The Moon has weaker gravity than Earth.
4.
Weight on Earth: 588 N
a. Weight on other planet: 58.8 N
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of physical science mass and weight worksheet answer key.
