S3.7.4 For the adult
Mass and weight
Would I weigh less on the Moon? Would I get smaller?
What this chapter teaches
Mass is the amount of stuff, in kilograms, and is the same everywhere. Weight is the pull of gravity, in newtons, so it is about 10 times the mass in kilograms on Earth and much less on the Moon.
Three questions to ask
There is no one right wording. Listen for the idea.
- What is the difference between mass and weight?
- About how much does a 3 kilogram bag weigh on Earth, in newtons?
- Why would you weigh less on the Moon but have the same mass?
After the chapter, the learner can
- Explain the difference between mass in kilograms and weight in newtons
- Explain why your weight would be less on the Moon
What they copy into their notebook
Mass is the amount of stuff, in kg, the same everywhere. Weight is the pull of gravity, in N. On Earth weight is about mass × 10. The Moon pulls about one sixth as much.