Gravity on the Moon is only one-sixth as strong as gravity on the Earth. What is the mass of a 10-kilogram object on the Moon, and what is its mass on Earth?

Question

Gravity on the Moon is only one-sixth as strong as gravity on the Earth.  What is the mass of a 10-kilogram object on the Moon, and what is its mass on Earth?

aaronq · Answer

I think the question is asking for the weight of the object on the moon, because the mass of an object is invariable and not subject to gravity, but the weight is.

To differentiate, the mass of an object is the amount of particles (e.g. atoms, molecules) it is made of, this doesn't change by the mere fact that it's on the moon. Weight what would register on a balance, which is the force exerted by gravity on that object.

we can find the force exerted on the object by gravity on the moon using F=ma.

$F=m*\dfrac{1}{6}g=10~kg*\dfrac{9.8~m/s^2}{6}$

We can use that equation again, except using the gravity of earth.

aaronq · Answer

Let me know if you have any doubts on this

anonymous · Answer

Thank you for your response! I see what your are saying about how the question was worded. It doesn't make much sense now that I am aware of the context. The equation is for the force of the object on the moon, correct?

anonymous · Answer

*you are

aaronq · Answer

The equation is for the force by the any acceleration, $a$, on any object of mass $m$, it's not only for gravity, but yes by using the value for 1/6 of the acceleration of gravity on earth, $9.8 ~m/s^2$ it s for the weight of an object on the moon.

Sorry if this seems nitpicky, i just want to avoid any confusion.