Difference Between Mass and Weight

Main Difference

Though Wight is needed to be measured in order to find out Mass of an object, there is a difference between both of these. Mass is defined as a property of a physical body to determine the strength of its mutual gravitational appealing to other bodies. Mass and Weight are often used interchangeably in everyday terminology. However, as of slight distinction in the strength of the Earth’s gravitational field of various places, the difference becomes mandatory to measurement. In conceptual term, ‘Mass’ tells about an inherent features of an object, while ‘Weight’ on the other hand, determines an object’s resistance to differing from its impulsive way of falling freely, which can go under the influence of nearby gravitational field. In a macroscopic term, mass is attached with matter in spite of the fact that matter is not, as fairly explained an idea as mass. Mass is a property of matter and the Mass of an object remains the same. Weight, on the other side, relies on the effect of gravity and there are variations as the location changes. Mass of an object can’t fall to zero. There are ups and downs in Weight with higher or lower gravity. With the magnitude, Mass is a scalar quantity whereas Weight comes with magnitude and is a vector quantity, directing towards the pivot of the Earth. An ordinary balance may be required to measure Mass of an entity, while Spring Balance is needed to measure Weight.

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Definition of Mass

Mass is defined as the quantity of an object, an assortment of incoherent particles regarded as forming one whole of body. Mass plays a crucial part in the activities and experiments related to the astronauts. Mass of an object remains the same all the time. It corresponds to the general notion of how bulky an object is. It is the inherent property of an object. As defined by Sir Isaac Newton’s laws of motion, his coined formula will define the term with much clarity: F=ma, an object with a mass, m, of one kilogram will accelerate, a, at one meter per second per second when comes under the pressure from force, F, of one object.

Definition of Weight

Weight is a force and it varies as the situation changes. Weight is a measurement of the gravitational force which is working on an object and it depends on the gravity of that particular place. It is often measured with a unit of force. Having a magnitude and is headed toward the pivotal point of the Earth, Weight is a vector quantity of any object. When an object gets free of gravity, as happens in space, its Weight may convert in Zero.

Differences in a Nutshell

1. Mass refers to the property of an object or matter; Weight is a force
2. Mass remains the same everywhere; Weight varies as the location changes
3. Mass never goes to Zero; Weight of an object can be measured as zero when there is no gravity
4. Mass remains the same under all locations, whereas Weight of an object can go up or down in accordance with changes in gravity
5. A pan balance, a triple-beam balance, electronic balance, or lever balance is needed to measure Mass; Weight can be measured by a Spring Balance
6. Mass can be referred by Kilogram, gram, and milligram; Weight is only defined in Newton (N)
7. Mass is a scalar quantity, while weight is a vector quantity

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Conclusion

Mass and Weight are the two most common used terms in Physics which have been forming the basis of the subject. They are different from each other, actually opposite and therefore it becomes that much more important for people to have a better understanding of how to use them, hopefully this article will go a long way in completing that task.