Activities

1. Label the following statements as true or false.
   
   
   1. Mass is a measurement of the amount of matter something contains, while weight is the measurement of the pull of gravity on an object.
   2. Mass is measured by using a balance comparing a known amount of matter to an unknown amount of matter. Weight is measured on a scale.
   3. The mass of an object doesn't change when an object's location changes. Weight, on the other hand does change with location.
      
      
2. Define gravity.
   
   
3. When given two images of tools used to measure, determine which measures the weight of an object, and which measures mass of an object. Label the tools. What are the units of measurement?

4. 
   
   1. Write this statement in a shorter form:
   
                  “Acceleration of gravity of a free falling object is equal to negative 9.81 meters per second, squared.”

2. Does gravity relate more to mass, or weight? Explain.

5. The force of gravity acting on a mass of 100 grams (g) is called a newton (N). Therefore, 100g = kg = 1 N.

1. How much would 60kg be in newtons?
2. If the force of gravity is different on the moon, would your mass be higher, lower, or the same? Why?

6. Write a short story about taking the trip to another planet. While on this other planet, and as you prepare to leave, you focus your research on mass and weight. Before you leave planet earth, give an estimate of the amount of mass you are bringing along. Be sure to include:

• How will your mass, and the mass of your supplies, change as you travel?
• How will your weight change?
• What will your weight be when you arrive at the different planet?

Answer Key/Rubric

1. Answers as follows:
   1. True
   2. True
   3. True
      
      
2. Acceptable responses might include, but are not limited to:

• The force that attracts a body toward the center of the earth, or toward any other physical body having mass.

3. Left image- spring scale measures weight in newtons (N)
   Right image- triple beam balance measures mass in grams (g)

4. Acceptable responses might include, but are not limited to:

1. a = -9.81m/s²
2. Gravity relates more to weight, because it is the measurement of the pull of gravity on an object.

5. A. 600N B. Your mass on the moon would be the same as it is on the earth, but your weight (N) would be lower, due to less gravity.

6. Acceptable responses might include, but are not limited to:

• On Earth you weigh 100 pounds.
• On the Mercury you weigh 37 pounds.
• On the Mars you weigh 38 pounds.
• On the Jupiter you weigh 234 pounds.
• On the Saturn you weigh 115.9 pounds.
• On the Moon you weigh 16.5 pounds.
• 100 lbs. = 45.3kg
• The mass of the supplies will likely decrease if you bring food to eat and water to drink, etc.
• The weight of the supplies will vary depending on the gravitational pull.