Question

Is the weight of an object is same on the earth and the moon? why?

Answer 1

1. The weight of an object is defined as the force with which it is attracted by the earth.
2. The value of the weight (W) of an object of mass (m) on the surface of the earth is given by W = mg, where ‘g’ is the acceleration due to gravity on the surface of the earth.
3. The value of acceleration due to gravity on the surface of the moon is $\frac{1}{6}$th of the original value on the surface of the earth.
4. This is because the mass of the moon is less when compared to the mass of the earth.
5. So, the weight of the object on the surface of the moon (W') is given by $W\text{'}=m\left(\frac{g}{6}\right)=\frac{mg}{6}=\frac{W}{6}$.

Hence, the weight of an object on the surface of the moon is $\frac{1}{6}$th of the original value on the surface of the earth.