What is the difference between mass and weight?
PhysicsClass 10CBSEAnswered 28 May 2026
Answer
| Feature | Mass | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Quantity of matter | Gravitational force on mass |
| Type | Scalar | Vector |
| Formula | — | W = mg |
| Unit | Kilogram (kg) | Newton (N) |
| Constant? | Always | Changes with g |
| Measured by | Beam balance | Spring balance |
Example: On the Moon, a 70 kg astronaut has weight = 70 × 1.6 = 112 N (vs. 686 N on Earth).
Mass is fixed and measures matter content; weight is variable and measures the gravitational pull on that mass.
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