Mass and Weight on Different Planets

Key idea: Mass stays the same everywhere, but weight changes from planet to planet because weight depends on gravitational field strength.

MassMass is the amount of matter in an object. It is measured in kilograms, kg.
WeightWeight is the gravitational pull acting on an object. It is measured in newtons, N.
Weight = Mass × g
W = m × g
Digital Mass Balance
Mass = -- kg
No object is on the balance yet.
Choose an object to start.
Newton Meter / Spring Balance
Spring stretch shows weight
Weight = -- N

Live Calculation

Choose an object to see W = m × g.

What changed?

Mass is measured in kg. Weight is measured in N.

Live Comparison Table

Planetg
N/kg		Mass
kg		Weight
N

Conclusion

The mass of an object remains the same on all planets because the amount of matter in the object does not change.

The weight of an object changes because different planets have different gravitational field strengths.

Higher gravity gives greater weight. Lower gravity gives smaller weight.

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