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AAT Bioquest

What are the differences between mass and weight?

Posted May 16, 2022


Answer

The terms mass and weight are often interchangeably, which is entirely wrong. There are several differences between the two.  

Basis of DifferentiationMassWeight
DefinitionIs the measure of the amount of matter present in a body

Is the measure of the amount of force acting on a body due to gravity or in other words, the measure of how strongly gravity pulls on that body

Effect of external factorsIs an intrinsic measure of an object and is independent of external factors – it remains constant at all timesIs an extrinsic property of an object and is affected by the mass that is attracting it and as well as the force of attraction (gravity) -  varies depending on gravity at a particular place
Effect of gravityIs not affected by gravityIs hugely affected by gravity
Method of measurementIs measured using various types of balance scales such as a triple-beam balance, pan balance, lever balance or electronic balance, which balance the body of interest equally with another known amount of mass Is measured using a scale spring balance that effectively measures the pull on the mass exerted by the earth’s gravity 
Unit of MeasurementMass is expressed in kilogram (kg), grams (g), and milligram (mg).Weight is expressed in Newton (N)
Type of physical quantity Is a scalar quantity – has only magnitude but no directionIs a vector quantity – has both magnitude and direction, which is towards the center of the earth
Additional resources

The Molecular Weights, Mass Distribution, Chain Composition, and Structure of Soluble Fibrin Degradation Products Released from a Fibrin Clot Perfused with Plasmin

Mass (Metric, Imperial) Conversion Calculator

Mass ⟺ Molarity Conversion Calculator