Step-by-step Explanation
1. Understanding Mass and Weight:
- Mass is the amount of matter in an object. It is measured in kilograms (kg) and does not change regardless of location.
- Weight is the force exerted on an object due to gravity. Weight is measured in newtons (N) and depends on the gravitational field strength of the location.
2. Given Data:
- Mass of astronaut (m) = 65 kg
- Gravitational field strength on Earth (gEarth) = 9.8 N/kg
- Gravitational field strength on Moon (gMoon) = 1.6 N/kg
Calculate the astronaut's weight on Earth:
Weight is calculated using the formula:
Weight (W) = mass (m) × gravitational field strength (g)
On Earth:
WEarth = 65 kg × 9.8 N/kg = 637 N
State his mass on the Moon:
The mass does not change irrespective of location.
So, mass on Moon = 65 kg
Calculate the astronaut's weight on the Moon:
Using the same formula:
WMoon = 65 kg × 1.6 N/kg = 104 N
Summary:
- Mass on Earth and Moon: 65 kg (unchanged)
- Weight on Earth: 637 N
- Weight on Moon: 104 N
This shows while mass remains the same everywhere, weight changes based on gravitational pull.