Mass versus Weight Lab Report
Name ______________________
Essential Questions:
Section ______________
Date_________
1. Why can people easily confuse mass and weight?
2. When are mass and weight the same and when are they
different?
3. Why can't we measure the exact mass of an object - why
must we always estimate mass?
Problem:
To figure out how mass is different than weight
Hypothesis
I think that when we measure with the balance we
measure__________. I think that when we measure with
the spring scale, we measure ______________.
Independent Variables:
(What do you change as you do the experiment?) During
this experiment, we changed the type of instrument
(balance or scale) that we used to measure the objects.
Dependent Variables:
As a result of changing the instrument, we measured either
the weight or the mass. When we used the balance we
measured the mass; when we used the spring scale we
measured the weight.
Controls:
1.
2.
Materials:
1.
2.
3.
We measured the same objects for both mass and
weight.
We used the same balance and the same spring
scale throughout the experiment
Balance
Scale
Different size weights/objects
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Procedure:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
“Zero balance” your balance and scale
If you cannot zero the balance, ask a teacher for
help.
To measure the objects, place the object on the
balance pan or the spring scale.
Record the total mass and weight in the chart below.
Be sure to include the units.
When you are finished, “zero” the balance and
place the balance and spring scale at the front of
your table where you found it.
Quantitative Data/Results: (graph, chart, table)
Instrument
Object
Weight
Weight in grams
(balance scale or
spring scale)
Mass
Instrument (balance
Mass in
scale or spring scale)
grams
Marble
Magnetic
Eraser
Marker
Chalkboard
Eraser
Roll of
Masking
Tape
Qualitative Data/Result:
(Add details about your observations that are not reflected
in the quantitative data. This is not a conclusion.)
Conclusion Questions:
1) Did your results support your hypothesis? Explain.
2) What further experimentation could you do?
3) Why can people easily confuse mass and weight?
4) Which instrument do you use to measure mass and
WHY?
5) Which instrument do you use to measure weight and
WHY?
6) When are mass and weight the same and when are they
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different?
7) If you went to the top Mount Washington or to the
moon, would the weight and mass of these objects remain
the same or would they be different? WHY?
8) In your own words, explain the difference between mass
and weight.
9) When would it be better to use a mass measurement
rather than a weight measurement?
10) Why can't we measure the exact mass of an object why must we always estimate mass?
Conclusion Paragraph: Write your conclusion in a paragraph. Follow the
conclusion questions above to help you write your conclusion.
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