What is the difference between mass and weight?
| Mass | Weight |
|---|---|
| Amount of matter in an object | Gravitational force acting on an object |
| Constant everywhere | Changes with gravity |
| SI unit: kilogram (kg) | SI unit: newton (N) |
| Scalar quantity | Vector quantity |
Mass does not depend on location, whereas weight varies from place to place due to changes in gravitational acceleration.
Formula: Weight = Mass × Gravity (W = mg)
Quick Fact: An astronaut's mass remains the same on the Moon, but their weight decreases.