How does the weight of a space probe change as it travels from Earth to the Moon? Is there any location at which the weight is zero? Does its mass change? Explain.

Question

nottim · Answer

All I've done is written the givens so far.
I'll be honest, I didn't delve into my textbook too long. And I know the answer to the second part is that no, mass cannot change, unless it loses or gains metal parts inflight.

ksaimouli · Answer

weight changes but mass never changes

ksaimouli · Answer

there is a location where w=0 when their is no gravity did u get

nottim · Answer

no, no maths yet

ksaimouli · Answer

it is not necessary what physics course r u in

nottim · Answer

Well, Yeah, no math is necessary for this question.  but how do I determine the weight change and location?

anonymous · Answer

Without math you just say that the weight decreases as you get further from the earth until when you are close enough to the moon. At this point both forces cancel and then you get closer from the moon, its atraction gets bigger than earth's, so your weight starts increasing again.
Now, for the last question, it depends on wether your speed is changing or not, if not, then the mass remains the same, if your speed is changing your mass gets bigger when the speed gets bigger and it gets lower when your speed gets lower, but thats relativity and probably irrelevant to this question.