Introduction
Understanding the difference between mass and weight is crucial for students preparing for JEE, NEET, and CBSE Board Class 11 exams. Though often used interchangeably, mass and weight are distinct physical quantities. This article provides a clear differentiation, along with multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and FAQs to solidify your understanding.
Difference Between Mass & Weight
| Property | Mass | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | The amount of matter in a body | The force exerted by gravity on an object |
| SI Unit | Kilogram (kg) | Newton (N) |
| Dependence | Constant everywhere | Varies with gravity |
| Measured By | Balance | Spring Balance |
| Nature | Scalar quantity | Vector quantity |
FAQs on Mass & Weight
Q1: Why is mass constant but weight varies?
A: Mass is an intrinsic property of an object and remains unchanged regardless of location. Weight depends on gravitational pull, which varies from place to place (e.g., it is lower on the Moon than on Earth).
Q2: Can weight be zero?
A: Yes, in space or a zero-gravity environment, an object experiences weightlessness, meaning its weight becomes zero, but its mass remains the same.
Q3: Which instrument is used to measure mass and weight?
A: Mass is measured using a balance, whereas weight is measured using a spring balance.
Q4: Is weight a vector or scalar quantity?
A: Weight is a vector quantity as it has both magnitude and direction (acting towards the center of the gravitational pull).
Q5: How does weight change on different planets?
A: Weight depends on gravitational acceleration. Since different planets have different gravity values, an object’s weight changes accordingly.
MCQs on Mass & Weight
1. What is the SI unit of mass?
- a) Newton
- b) Kilogram
- c) Joule
- d) Pascal
Answer: b) Kilogram
Explanation: The SI unit of mass is the kilogram (kg), while Newton (N) is the unit of force.
2. Which of the following is a scalar quantity?
- a) Force
- b) Velocity
- c) Weight
- d) Mass
Answer: d) Mass
Explanation: Mass is a scalar quantity because it has magnitude only, while weight is a vector as it has both magnitude and direction.
3. What happens to an object’s weight if it is taken to the Moon?
- a) Increases
- b) Decreases
- c) Remains the same
- d) Becomes zero
Answer: b) Decreases
Explanation: The Moon’s gravity is about 1/6th that of Earth, so the object’s weight decreases, but its mass remains the same.
4. Which instrument is used to measure weight?
- a) Spring balance
- b) Beam balance
- c) Vernier calipers
- d) Barometer
Answer: a) Spring balance
Explanation: Spring balance measures weight as it responds to the force of gravity.
5. The weight of an object on Earth is 600N. What would be its weight on the Moon? (Given Moon’s gravity is 1/6th of Earth’s gravity)
- a) 600N
- b) 100N
- c) 3600N
- d) 60N
Answer: b) 100N
Explanation: Weight on Moon = (1/6) × Weight on Earth = (1/6) × 600N = 100N.
Test Your Knowledge
Mass vs. Weight Quiz
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