Mass Physics Example 1

Follow the full solution, then compare it with the other examples linked below.

Example 1

easy

An object has a weight of

49 \text{ N}

on Earth where

g = 9.8 \text{ m/s}^2

. What is the mass of the object?

Solution

1
Recall the relationship between weight and mass: $W = mg$ , where $W$ is weight, $m$ is mass, and $g$ is gravitational acceleration.
2
Rearrange for mass by dividing both sides by $g$ : $m = \frac{W}{g}$
3
Substitute values: $m = \frac{49}{9.8} = 5 \text{ kg}$

Answer

m = 5 \text{ kg}

Mass is a measure of the amount of matter in an object and remains constant regardless of location. Weight depends on the gravitational field, but mass does not.

About Mass

The amount of matter in an object and a fundamental measure of how much it resists changes to its state of motion (inertia).

Learn more about Mass →

More Mass Examples

Example 2 medium

An astronaut has a mass of [formula]. What would their weight be on the Moon where [formula]? Compar

Example 3 easy

A net force of [formula] accelerates an object at [formula]. What is the mass of the object?

Example 4 easy

A toolbox weighs [formula] on a planet where [formula]. What is its mass?

← All Mass Examples Mass Concept

Related Concepts

Force Weight Inertia