Physics

Physics

Problem

An object weighs 300 N300\,\text{N} on Earth. What would be its weight on the Moon? (Assume gMoon=16gEarthg_{\text{Moon}} = \tfrac16 g_{\text{Earth}}.) a) 100 N100\,\text{N} b) 50 N50\,\text{N} c) 0 N0\,\text{N} d) 300 N300\,\text{N}
Intuitive explanation

Weight is the gravitational force pulling on an object's mass—it changes depending on the local gravity, but the object's mass stays constant. Since the Moon's gravity is only one-sixth as strong as Earth's, anything there experiences one-sixth the downward pull. Find the object's mass first using Earth's weight, then use that same mass with the Moon's weaker gravity to get its lunar weight.

Intuitive explanation

Weight is the gravitational force pulling on an object's mass—it changes depending on the local gravity, but the object's mass stays constant. Since the Moon's gravity is only one-sixth as strong as Earth's, anything there experiences one-sixth the downward pull. Find the object's mass first using Earth's weight, then use that same mass with the Moon's weaker gravity to get its lunar weight.

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