Mass vs. Weight

The Mass Vs. Weight Video Tutorial discusses the difference between mass and weight. The meaning of these two terms is clearly explained and the mathematical relationship between them is identified, described, and used.

The video lesson answers the following questions:

  1. What is mass? and what is weight?
  2. How are they similar and how are they different?

Video

You can watch the video below, or click here to watch on YouTube (opens in a new tab).

To improve the effectiveness of the learning experience, The Physics Classroom has provided the following tools:

Additional and Related Learning Tools

Minds On Physics App #2, Newton's Laws Module, Mission NL5
Minds On Physics isn't for the weak. But those who are passionate about their studies in Physics and who have the patience and willingness to adjust their thinking will benefit greatly from this rigorous app. Carefully-crafted questions on specific topics, combined with an in-depth question specific tutorial make the app a great choice for those who wish to master physics. Try Mission NL5 as a follow-up to this video.

Physics Interactives:Your Weight on Other Planets
Weight varies with location. Mass is independent of location. Explore this concept more with our Your Weight on Other Planets simulation.

Physics Interactives:The Value of g
So we've learned that g is 9.8 N/kg on Earth. Now learn the rest of the story with this fun little map that allows you to view the value of g at approximately 50 locations about the Earth.

The Physics Classroom Tutorial, Newton's Laws Chapter, Lesson 2, Types of Forces
You need a written reference? We have one. It's called The Physics Classroom Tutorial and it has a long record of helping learners of Physics.

Teacher Resources

Curriculum Corner: Newton's Laws Chapter
The Curriculum Corner provides classroom-ready Think Sheets that fuel great in-class discussions. The think sheets on Mass and Weight and The Elephant and the Feather might be great follow-ups to this video tutorial.

Minds On Physics App #2, Newton's Laws Module, Mission NL5
Minds On Physics isn't for the weak. But those who are passionate about their studies in Physics and who have the patience and willingness to adjust their thinking will benefit greatly from this rigorous app. Carefully-crafted questions on specific topics, combined with an in-depth question specific tutorial make the app a great choice for those who wish to master physics. Mission NL5 is a great follow-up to this video.

Physics Interactives:Your Weight on Other Planets
Weight varies with location. Mass is independent of location. This concept can be explored with our Your Weight on Other Planets simulation.

Physics Interactives:The Value of g
So the value of g is 9.8 N/kg on Earth. This fun little simulations allows one to view the value of g at approximately 50 locations about the Earth. What's the pattern in the data?

The Physics Classroom Tutorial, Newton's Laws Chapter, Lesson 2, Types of Forces
You need a written reference? We have one. It's called The Physics Classroom Tutorial and it has a long record of helping teachers and learners of Physics.

Lesson Notes

Download (opens in a new tab) or view below

Slides

Do you like the slides we used? They are available in our low cost Teacher Presentation Pack, along with other updated materials used in our presentation.