A package has mass 36 kg. On Earth take gravitational field strength as 10 N/kg; at a research station on another world it is 3.2 N/kg. (a) Calculate the package's weight at both locations. (b) State whether its mass changes. (c) Explain how a force meter and an equal-arm balance comparing standard masses respond to the move.

Question

Accepted Answer

Earth: 360 N; station: 115.2 N; mass remains 36 kg; force-meter reading falls, balance comparison is unchanged. Weight is the gravitational force on an object, calculated from W = mg. On Earth the force is 36 × 10 = 360 N; kilograms must not be used as the unit of force. At the station, use the local field strength: W = 36 × 3.2 = 115.2 N. The smaller field gives a smaller force on the same object. The mass remains 36 kg because moving the package does not add or remove matter. Mass also measures resistance to acceleration and is not defined by the local gravitational force. A force meter responds to weight, so its reading decreases. An equal-arm balance compares the package with standard masses in the same field; both weights change by the same factor and the balanced mass comparison remains unchanged.

A package on another world 9

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