Weight and Mass
There are many misconceptions around the differences between weight and mass.
Mass is the amount of matter an object has. It is measured in kilograms.
Weight is the attraction that mass experiences by a large gravitational body. Your weight is how much the Earth attracts you. It is measured in Newtons (N).
This means that if you were to stand on Earth and then instantly teleport to Mars, your mass would stay the same but your weight would change. If you want to gain weight you have to gain mass or go to a planet with a greater gravitational field strength, such as Jupiter.
Watch the video below for an explanation on how gravitational forces vary on different planets.
Gravity on other planets
Your weight is calculated using \(W = m \times g\) where \(m\) is the mass and \(g\) is the gravitational field strength.
On Earth a 56kg mass has a weight of:
\(W = m \times g =56 \times 9.8 = 548.8 = 550N\)
How much would you weigh on Jupiter?
Jon Chase investigates gravitational forceA push or a pull. The unit of force is the newton (N). on Earth and in space.
Gravity on Earth and in space