Question

Write an expression for the weight of an object. Is the weight of an object is same on the earth and the moon? Why?

Answer 1

1. The weight (W) of an object is the force with which it gets attracted by the earth.
2. Its value is given by the expression $W=mg$ where m is the mass of the object and g is the acceleration due to gravity.
3. From the above expression, we observe that the weight of a body is directly proportional to the acceleration due to gravity.
4. The acceleration due to gravity on the surface of the moon (g_m) is $\frac{1}{6}$th of the value of g on the surface of the earth.
5. Hence, the weight of the object on the surface of the moon is not same as on earth, i.e. $W_m=\frac{mg}{6}=\frac{W}{6}$.
6. The weight of an object on the surface of the moon becomes $\frac{1}{6}$ times its original value.