Mass vs. Weight
Introduction to Gravity
Opener: April 1, 2014

Explain the difference between mass and
weight.
◦ Use page 185
To Do List:
Opener
 Notes: Mass vs. Weight
 Mass vs. Weight Venn Diagram
 Homework: Finish Worksheet

What do you need to know?
Be able to define mass and weight.
 Be able to explain the difference between
mass and weight.
 Be able to discuss the effect gravity has
on mass and weight.

Mass vs. Weight
Key Vocabulary
Mass
 Weight

What is mass?

Mass - is the amount of matter in an
object.
◦ Matter = something that has mass and takes
up space.
◦ Measured using a triple-beam balance
What is weight?

Weight – measure of the gravitational
force exerted on an object.
◦ Changes with location
◦ Weight = Mass X Gravity
◦ Measured using a spring scale
Differences between Mass and Weight
Mass
 Mass is a measure of
the amount of
matter in an object.
 Mass is always
constant no matter
where the object is
located in the
universe.
Weight
 Weight is a measure
of the gravitational
force on an object.
 Weight varies
depending on where
the object is in
relation to the Earth
(or any large body in
the universe)
Compare/Contrast
Mass
Weight
What did you learn?
Mass is the measure of the amount of
matter in an object.
 Mass is constant
 Weight is the measure of the gravitational
force exerted on object.
 Weight can change depending on location,
therefore it is not constant.

Homework

Finish the Mass vs. Weight Worksheet