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Weight Definition

Weight is determined by gravity's pull on an object, varying by location. For example, an object's weight differs on Earth and the Moon.

View Lesson on Gravitational Forces Between Objects
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Gravitational Forces Between Objects

Fun Facts

  • A person weighing 150 pounds on Earth would weigh about 25 pounds on the Moon.
  • On a mountain, you would weigh less due to less gravity.
  • In space, your weight would change but mass stays the same.

Why Do We Need To Know About Weight

Learning about weight and gravity helps us know why things fall down and how everything in the universe moves. Astronauts need to understand this to move and work in space where there is no gravity. People like construction workers and window washers need to know about weight and gravity to stay safe while working up high.

This knowledge is also important for people who design spacecraft and study space, like aerospace engineers and astronomers. They use this understanding to make spacecraft do special moves in space, like using a planet’s gravity to speed up. Gravity and weight are important for many jobs and in our daily lives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Explain one way gravity affects objects.
Gravity is the force that pull objects to the center of Earth.
What is an example of an object that affects gravity on Earth?
The Moon affects the tides on Earth. High tide is caused by the Moon’s gravity.
How can the force of gravity affect weight?
Gravity is not the same in all places. For example, if you were high up on a mountain, you would weigh less because the force of gravity is less.
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