[Physics] How much is the weight in Newtons? What is the Mass

homework-and-exercisesmassnewtonian-mechanicsweight

We refer to our earthly weight in "pounds" or "kilograms". The Force I put on my scale is mass × acceleration = mass × 9.8 m/s^2.

My scale reads 98 kg, yet the units of Newton are kg m/s^2. Do I weigh 10 mass units? 98 Newtons? Or is it 960 Newtons?

The application is lifting force for a model rocket.

Best Answer

In everyday language, the terms "mass" and "weight" are used pretty much interchangably, but in physics, we distinguish them. Mass roughly speaking is a measure of the "amount of stuff", whereas when we say something like "the weight of the table is... ", what this means is "the gravitational force the Earth exerts on the table is..."

So, to directly address your question, here are the correct statements (and a few variations which say the same thing):

  • Your mass is $98$ kg.
  • Your mass on Earth is $98$ kg.
  • The gravitational force the Earth exerts on you is (approximately) $(98 \,\text{kg})(9.8 \, \text{ms}^{-2}) = 960.4 \, \text{kg m s}^{-2} = 960.4\, \text{N}$
  • You weigh $960.4\, \text{N}$ on Earth.
  • Your mass on the moon is $98 \, \text{kg}$
  • Your weight on the moon is $(98 \,\text{kg})(1.62 \, \text{ms}^{-2}) = 158.76 \, \text{kg m s}^{-2} = 158.76\, \text{N}$

So, as you can see, your mass is "a property of you", whereas your weight is "a property of you and where you are".

Related Question