Weight, Mass and Gravity Flashcards
What is gravitational force
The force of attraction between masses
Does gravity attract all masses
Yes
When is the gravitational attraction noticeable
Only when one of the masses is much bigger than the other e.g. a planet and a human
What are two effects of gravitational force
1) On the surface of a planet, it makes all things fall towards the ground
2) It gives everything a weight
How are weight and mass different
Mass: The density of an object and this will have the same value anywhere in the universe
Weight: The force acting on an object due to gravity (the pull of the gravitational force on the object). Close to Earth, this force is caused by the gravitational field around the earth
How does the gravitational field strength vary with location
It is stronger, the closer you are to the mass causing the field, and stronger for larger masses
Why does the weight of an object change with its location and why
The weight of an object depends on the strength of the gravitational field at the location of the object
Will an object have the same mass on the earth as on the moon and why
Yes because an object has the same mass anywhere in the universe
Will an object have the same weight on the earth as on the moon
No because the gravitational field strength is different on the earth and the moon
What unit is weight measured in and why
Newtons because it is a force
What is the centre of mass
A point at which you assume the whole mass is concentrated (usually the middle)
What is a uniform object
An object that has the same density throughout and is a regular shape
How do you measure weight
Using a calibrated spring balance or newton metre
Is mass a force
No
What unit is mass measure in
Kg
