Gravity and Orbits-Physics

• What is mass a measure of?

  The matter in an object
• What is weight defined as?

  The force acting upon an object due to gravity
• How does weight depend on mass?

  Weight depends on the gravitational field strength acting on that mass
• In what units is mass measured?

  Kilograms (kg)
• In what units is weight measured?

  Newtons (N)
• What is the relationship between mass, weight, and gravitational field strength?

  • Weight (N) = Mass (kg) × Gravitational Field Strength (N/kg)
  • On Earth, g = 9.8 N/kg
• What is the formula to calculate weight?

  Weight (N) = Mass (kg) × Gravitational Field Strength (N/kg)
• What is the value of gravitational field strength (g) on Earth?

  1. 8 N/kg
• What factors affect gravitational field strength?

  • The greater the planet's mass
  • The closer the object is to the planet's center
• If an object has a mass of $0.50 \text{ kg}$, what is its weight on Earth?


  $W =$$mg =$$0.50 \text{ kg} \times 9.8 \text{ N/kg} =$$4.9 \text{ N}$
• What are the mass and force values from the experiment provided?

  • Mass (kg) and Force (N):
  • 0.10 kg → 1.1 N
  • 0.20 kg → 2.0 N
  • 0.30 kg → 3.0 N
  • 0.40 kg → 3.9 N
  • 0.50 kg → 4.8 N
  • 0.60 kg → 5.7 N
  • 0.70 kg → 6.8 N