Difference Between Mass and Weight
Mass is often confused with weight, but they are not the same. Here are some fundamental differences between Mass and Weight :
| Difference | Mass | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Mass is the amount of matter in an object. | Weight is the force exerted by gravity on an object. |
| SI Unit | Kilogram (kg) | Newton (N) |
| Measurement | Mass remains constant regardless of location. | Weight varies depending on the gravitational field. |
| Influence of Gravity | Mass is not influenced by gravity. | Weight is directly proportional to the gravitational force acting on an object. |
| Formula | Mass = (Density) × (Volume) | Weight = (Mass) × (Acceleration due to gravity) |
| Example | An object with a mass of 5 kg. | An object weighing 50 N on Earth’s surface. |
| Relationship to Inertia | Mass is directly related to an object’s inertia, determining its resistance to changes in motion. | Weight does not affect an object’s inertia directly, as it is a force rather than an intrinsic property of the object. |
| Effect of Location | Mass remains the same regardless of the location or environment. | Weight changes with location, as it depends on the gravitational field strength of the location. |
| Measurement Device | Mass is measured using a balance or scale. | Weight is measured using a spring balance or weighing scale. |
| Impact on Scale Readings | Mass affects the reading of a scale, determining how much the scale is displaced. | Weight affects the reading of a scale due to the force exerted by gravity, causing a deflection of the scale. |
Difference Between Mass and Weight
Mass and weight are two different physical quantities which are often confused. Mass refers to the amount of matter in an object, while weight is the gravitational force acting on it. While mass remains constant, weight varies depending on the gravitational field strength. In this article, we will learn the differences between mass and weight in detail.