GCSE Combined Science (AQA)

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Weight & Mass

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Forces Forces and their interactions

Weight & Mass

3:30 Weight and Resultant Forces
Spec 4.5.1.3
Previous Simple Resultant Force Calculations Next Work & Displacement
  • Mass is a measure of how much matter is in an object.
  • Mass is determined by the density of an object, which is the size of the particles and how tightly packed they are.
  • Example: A feather has low density and low mass; a rock has high density and higher mass.
  • Mass is measured in kilograms but can be converted to milligrams or grams.
  • Mass affects properties like the effect of forces, heating time, and state change.
  • Weight is the force acting on an object due to gravity.
  • Gravitational force is the attraction between two objects with mass, noticeable in larger masses.
  • Weight describes the gravitational force a planet exerts on an object; larger masses have more weight.
  • Example: A feather has a weight of 0.007 Newtons, and a rock has 0.3 Newtons; the rock has more weight due to larger mass.
  • Mass and weight are not the same; this is a common exam mistake.
  • The center of mass is the point where weight acts from in an object.
  • Weight depends on gravitational field strength at the object's location.
  • Gravitational field strength measures how strong the gravitational force is.
  • Example: An apple experiences strong force on Earth's surface, weaker force far from Earth, and even weaker on the moon.
  • Mass of an object remains the same in any gravitational field.
  • Mass and weight are different; understanding this is important for exams.
  • Weight can be measured using a calibrated Newton meter.
  • The weight pulls down a spring, and the extension is proportional to the force.
  • Measure the extension of the spring to determine weight.
  • Calibrate the Newton meter by attaching known masses and weights and marking the spring's extension to create a scale.

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