Science·Forces & Motion·conceptual
Mass vs Weight
Distinguish between mass (amount of matter, measured in kg) and weight (gravitational force, measured in N), use the equation weight = mass × gravitational field strength, and explain why g differs on other planets and stars
Suggested ages 11–12
Evidence of understanding
- Explains the difference between mass and weight with correct units for each
- Calculates weight using W = mg with g = 10 N/kg on Earth
- Predicts what would happen to an object's weight on the Moon or Jupiter
- Explains why mass stays constant but weight changes in different gravitational fields
Assessment prompt
If Mass vs Weight weighed themselves on bathroom scales and was then asked what they would weigh on the Moon, could they explain the difference between mass and weight and work out a rough answer?
Standards alignment
MS-PS2-4US · ngss-ms
MS-PS2-4
Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) Middle School
KS3.Sci.Phys.MotionAndForces.10GB · uk-nc-2013
Gravity, Weight and Mass
The national curriculum in England: Key stages 1 and 2 framework document · KS3