3.5.14

Weight & Mass

Test yourself

Mass and Weight

Mass and weight are different. Mass is the amount of matter of an object and is measured in kilograms (kg). Weight depends on the gravitational pull that acts on an object and is measured in Newtons (N).

Illustrative background for MassIllustrative background for Mass ?? "content

Mass

  • Mass comes from the Greek maza, meaning ‘lump’.
  • An object will have the same mass wherever the object is.
  • Just because an object is big, it does not mean it will have a large mass.
Illustrative background for How much mass?Illustrative background for How much mass? ?? "content

How much mass?

  • Mass is how much ‘matter’ there is in an object.
  • Mass is measured in grams (g) or kilograms (kg).
  • 1,000 grams = 1kg.
  • 1,000kg = 1t (tonne).
Illustrative background for WeightIllustrative background for Weight ?? "content

Weight

  • Weight depends on the mass of an object and gravity.
  • Weight is measured in Newtons (N), after Isaac Newton.
  • Weight is a force.
  • When you weigh yourself on scales, you are actually measuring your mass, not your weight.
  • Weight is the force you exert on the bathroom scales.

Jump to other topics

1Biology

1.1Cells, Tissues & Organs

1.2Reproduction & Variation

1.3Ecological Relationships & Classification

1.4Digestion & Nutrition

1.5Plants & Photosynthesis

1.6Biological Systems & Processes

2Chemistry

2.1Particles

2.2Chemical Reactions

2.3Atoms, Elements, Compounds

2.4The Periodic Table

2.5Materials & the Earth

2.6Reactivity

2.7Energetics

2.8Properties of Materials

3Physics

3.1Energy

3.2Forces & Motion

3.3Waves

3.4Electricity & Magnetism

3.5Matter

3.6Space Physics

4Thinking Scientifically

Go student ad image

Unlock your full potential with GoStudent tutoring

  • Affordable 1:1 tutoring from the comfort of your home

  • Tutors are matched to your specific learning needs

  • 30+ school subjects covered

Book a free trial lesson