Mass vs Weight
Distinguish between mass (amount of matter, measured in kg) and weight (gravitational force, measured in N), use the equation weight = mass × gravitational field strength, and explain why g differs on other planets and stars
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“If your child weighed themselves on bathroom scales and was then asked what they would weigh on the Moon, could they explain the difference between mass and weight and work out a rough answer?”
Full guide and materials
- Activity. Distinguish between mass (amount of matter, measured in kg) and weight (gravitational force, measured in N), use the equation weight = mass × gravitational field strength, and explain why g differs on other planets and stars
What to notice. Explains the difference between mass and weight with correct units for each • Calculates weight using W = mg with g = 10 N/kg on Earth • Predicts what would happen to an object's weight on the Moon or Jupiter • Explains why mass stays constant but weight changes in different gravitational fields
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If your child weighed themselves on bathroom scales and was then asked what they would weigh on the Moon, could they explain the difference between mass and weight and work out a rough answer?
Distinguish between mass (amount of matter, measured in kg) and weight (gravitational force, measured in N), use the equation weight = mass × gravitational field strength, and explain why g differs on other planets and stars
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Check understanding
- Explains the difference between mass and weight with correct units for each
- Calculates weight using W = mg with g = 10 N/kg on Earth
- Predicts what would happen to an object's weight on the Moon or Jupiter
- Explains why mass stays constant but weight changes in different gravitational fields
“If your child weighed themselves on bathroom scales and was then asked what they would weigh on the Moon, could they explain the difference between mass and weight and work out a rough answer?”
Curriculum record
- Type
- Conceptual
- Subject
- Science
- Domain
- Forces & Motion
- Age range
- Ages 11–12
Standards