You can calculate the mass of an object if you know its weight by using the following formula: mass = weight / acceleration due to gravity.
Here's a breakdown:
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Understanding the Relationship: Weight is the force exerted on an object due to gravity. Mass, on the other hand, is the amount of matter in an object. They are related, but not the same.
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The Formula: The formula that connects weight (W), mass (m), and acceleration due to gravity (g) is:
- W = m * g
To find the mass, you simply rearrange the formula:
- m = W / g
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Acceleration Due to Gravity (g): On Earth, the acceleration due to gravity is approximately 9.8 m/s². This value can vary slightly depending on location, but 9.8 m/s² is a standard approximation. If you're dealing with a different celestial body (like the Moon), the value of 'g' will be different.
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Units:
- Weight is typically measured in Newtons (N).
- Mass is typically measured in kilograms (kg).
- Acceleration due to gravity is measured in meters per second squared (m/s²).
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Example: Let's say an object weighs 49 Newtons on Earth. To find its mass:
- Mass = Weight / Acceleration due to gravity
- Mass = 49 N / 9.8 m/s²
- Mass = 5 kg
Therefore, the mass of the object is 5 kilograms.
In summary, to calculate mass from weight, simply divide the weight (in Newtons) by the local acceleration due to gravity (approximately 9.8 m/s² on Earth) to obtain the mass in kilograms.
