Physics
Physics
Problem
Answer the following questions related to mass, weight and free fall. a. (a) Define mass and state its SI unit. b. (b) Define weight and state its SI unit. c. (c) Define the term "free fall". d. (d) State any TWO differences between mass and weight. e. (e) Is mass a scalar quantity or a vector quantity? Give a brief reason for your answer.Intuitive explanation
The key here is distinguishing between mass (the amount of matter, which never changes) and weight (the gravitational force on that mass, which depends on location). In free fall, an object's mass stays constant, but its apparent weight—what a scale would read—becomes zero because there's no normal force pushing back. Understanding this difference unlocks why astronauts feel "weightless" in orbit even though gravity still pulls on them.
Intuitive explanation
The key here is distinguishing between mass (the amount of matter, which never changes) and weight (the gravitational force on that mass, which depends on location). In free fall, an object's mass stays constant, but its apparent weight—what a scale would read—becomes zero because there's no normal force pushing back. Understanding this difference unlocks why astronauts feel "weightless" in orbit even though gravity still pulls on them.