Difference Between Mass and Weight, Examples, Formula
Know the fundamental difference between mass and weight, its formula, definition, and effects due to the gravity of different places. This will help you to lay a strong foundation for NEET Physics.
Praveen Kushwah27 May, 2025
Share
Difference Between Mass and Weight : Have you ever wondered why you feel lighter on the Moon or heavier when you stand on a scale? Well, that's because of two important things, mass and weight! Let's dive into the deep, and discover the Difference between mass and weight .
We frequently refer to "mass" and "weight" interchangeably in daily conversation. However, accuracy is crucial when we talk scientifically. While heaviness can be expressed through measurements like mass and weight, they have quite distinct meanings.Difference Between Mass and Weight
Understanding mass and weight helps us to make sense of how things work in the world. Knowing about mass and weight is like having the power to understand the universe, whether it is used to calculate the amount of stuff we have or the reason why things fall.| NEET Physics Syllabus | NEET Physics Important Questions with Answers |
| NEET Physics Chapter wise Weightage | NEET Physics MCQs |
| NEET Physics Notes | NEET Physics Formulas |
Difference Between Mass and Weight Overview
Weight - Weight can be understood as how heavy something is because of gravity. Imagine you have a favorite toy. If you took it to the Moon, it would weigh less than it does on Earth because the Moon's gravity is weaker. The formula for weight is simple Weight = Mass × Gravity So, weight depends on two things: how much stuff there is (mass) and the gravity around it. Mass - It is simply defined as the amount of stuff in an object. Think of it as how much "matter" something has. Your school bag has mass, and so does your pet dog. The cool thing about mass is that it stays the same no matter where you are. Your dog has the same mass on Earth, the Moon, or even everywhere in space.Difference Between Mass and Weight Physics
This table showcases all about the topic difference between Mass and Weight mentioned in physics, you can get a clear picture of the Mass and weight based on the different parameters of physics.| Difference Between Mass and Weight Physics | ||
| Parameters | Mass | Weight |
| Definition | Amount of stuff in an object | ow heavy something is due to gravity |
| Symbol | m | W |
| Formula | No formula needed! Mass is constant | ( W = m x g ) (Weight depends on mass and gravity) |
| SI Unit | Kilogram (kg) | Newton (N) |
| Measuring Tool | Balance or scale | Spring scale or weighing machine |
| Influence of Gravity | Mass remains constant everywhere | Weight changes based on gravity; lighter on the Moon, heavier on Jupiter |
| Example | A bag of apples | You on different planets or your backpack on Earth and the Moon |
| Constant or Variable | Constant | Variable |
| Location Dependency | No, mass stays the same everywhere | Yes, weight changes based on the strength of gravity |
| Effect of Gravity Strength | Mass is unaffected by gravity strength | Weight changes with gravity strength; stronger gravity, heavier weight |
| Applicability in Space | Mass is applicable anywhere in the universe | Weight is zero in space where there's no gravity |
| Scientific Importance | Fundamental property of matter | Essential in understanding forces and dynamics on Earth and other celestial bodies |
Difference Between Mass and Weight Examples
Both the terms seem similar to normal people, but when we talk based on scientific fact, we need to take some law of the universe, and forces applied to the objects into consideration.Difference Between Mass and Weight Formula
The real difference in mass and weight can be seen when we observe its formula, it is scientifically driven and proven by many famous scientists and mathematicians in the past history. It is hard to say who discovered the difference between mass and weight for the first time, but as per the data available, it was observed after the invention of Gravity by Sir Isaac Newton.Formula of Weight
The formula of weight is very simple, W = MxG Where W represents the weight M Represents Mass G Represents Gravity Note: Remember, weight changes if you go to a place with different gravity.Formula of Mass
There is no formula for Mass because it stays the same everywhere, so no additional force comes into the action.Difference Between Mass and Weight Gravity Effect
The Difference between Mass and Weight can be easily understood with the effect of gravity, as its formula says, Weight is equal to the product of Mass and Gravity, otherwise, both are the same. So here in this table, you can see the real difference between both the entity in the effect of gravity.| Difference Between Mass and Weight Gravity Effect | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Celestial Body | Gravity (m/s²) | Weight (N) | Mass (kg) |
| Earth | 9.8 | 980 | 100 |
| Moon | 1.625 | 162.5 | 100 |
| Mars | 3.72076 | 372.076 | 100 |
| Jupiter | 24.79 | 2479 | 100 |
| Space (Zero gravity) | 0 | 0 | 100 |
Difference Between Mass and Weight FAQs
What is the fundamental difference between mass and weight?
The definition of Mass is very simple, the amount of matter in any object is called Mass. It remains constant at every place. Weight, on the other hand, is the force exerted on an object due to gravity, making it dependent on the strength of gravity in a particular location.
Can mass change in different locations, like weight does?
No, mass does not change based on location. It is an intrinsic property of an object and remains the same regardless of where the object is located in the universe.
Why do we weigh less on the Moon compared to Earth?
We weigh less on the Moon because the Moon has weaker gravity than Earth. Weight is directly proportional to gravity, so lower gravity results in less force pulling us downward, making us feel lighter.
If mass is constant, why do we use different units for mass and weight?
Mass is measured in kilograms (kg), which is a standard unit used universally. Weight, however, is measured in newtons (N) and varies with the strength of gravity. Using the same unit for weight (N) and mass (kg) would be misleading, as weight is a force.
Can an object have different mass and weight at the same time?
No, an object's mass remains constant, but its weight can vary based on the gravitational field it is in. Mass is an inherent property, while weight depends on the gravitational force acting on the object.
🔥 Trending Blogs
Talk to a counsellorHave doubts? Our support team will be happy to assist you!
Check out these Related Articles
Join 15 Million students on the app today!
Live & recorded classes available at easeDashboard for progress trackingMillions of practice questions at your fingertips
Free Learning Resources
PW Books
Notes (Class 10-12)
PW Study Materials
Notes (Class 6-9)
Ncert Solutions
Govt Exams
Class 6th to 12th Online Courses
Govt Job Exams Courses
UPSC Coaching
Defence Exam Coaching
Gate Exam Coaching
Other Exams
Know about Physics Wallah
Physics Wallah is an Indian edtech platform that provides accessible & comprehensive learning experiences to students from Class 6th to postgraduate level. We also provide extensive NCERT solutions, sample paper, NEET, JEE Mains, BITSAT previous year papers & more such resources to students. Physics Wallah also caters to over 3.5 million registered students and over 78 lakh+ Youtube subscribers with 4.8 rating on its app.
We Stand Out because
We provide students with intensive courses with India’s qualified & experienced faculties & mentors. PW strives to make the learning experience comprehensive and accessible for students of all sections of society. We believe in empowering every single student who couldn't dream of a good career in engineering and medical field earlier.
Our Key Focus Areas
Physics Wallah's main focus is to make the learning experience as economical as possible for all students. With our affordable courses like Lakshya, Udaan and Arjuna and many others, we have been able to provide a platform for lakhs of aspirants. From providing Chemistry, Maths, Physics formula to giving e-books of eminent authors like RD Sharma, RS Aggarwal and Lakhmir Singh, PW focuses on every single student's need for preparation.
What Makes Us Different
Physics Wallah strives to develop a comprehensive pedagogical structure for students, where they get a state-of-the-art learning experience with study material and resources. Apart from catering students preparing for JEE Mains and NEET, PW also provides study material for each state board like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and others
Copyright © 2025 Physicswallah Limited All rights reserved.