2006-11-17 00:52:32 · 5 answers · asked by wizco1980 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
Weight is directly proportional to gravity. The greater the gravitational attraction, the heavier the object is. If there is zero gravity then the weight is also zero but the mass will always be the same.
2006-11-17 01:22:02 · answer #1 · answered by terminator 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Gravity makes objects display the property we call "weight", but mass is directly responsible for the object's inertia. We have associated the sensations involved with gravitational attraction of 1g (-9.81ms^-2) with the inertia of a given mass, because we live more or less constantly in 1g. This relationship therefore feels "natural" to us and makes us believe that one kilogram weighs 2.2lbs, but that is only true in 1g. (Pounds measure weight and kilograms measure mass.) This is a simple example of why one should not try to understand physics with "common-sense" models: because underlying reality often deviates from what you expect.
If you go into orbit, you are falling and therefore not feeling the force of gravity (but you are moving fast enough horizontally, that you literally miss hitting the Earth). So objects no longer have weight, and they float in midair; but they certainly still have mass and they display exactly the same inertia effects as on Earth.
2006-11-17 02:00:58 · answer #2 · answered by poorcocoboiboi 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Good question. Why is the mass the same as the weight? Is it just a quirk of nature or not? As far as I can tell, and I'm quite happy to be corrected on this, is gravity is caused by the space - time curvature created by this planet. Weight is caused by subatomic particles being moved by this curvature.
As far as I know, nobody has actually developed a proven model of weight reduction, alias antigravity. I heard of one experiment which had a result that could be interpreted as weight reduction / antigravity, but there were other interpretations of the result.
There are three links below which cover the issue.
2006-11-17 01:52:32 · answer #3 · answered by Bad bus driving wolf 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Gravity makes objects heavy. Mass remains the same, but as an object counters gravity, its' weight decreases. Think of spacecraft and weightlessness.
That should be enough hints for you to further explore your homework. DON'T use my answer as yours! It's insufficient for your course.
2006-11-17 01:05:03 · answer #4 · answered by xraytech 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Do some research into anti-gravity research. Basically, gravity "pulls" objects down. If you can somehow interrupt or disconnect that force, your idea might be possible. Check it out. It sounds like mad science, but if we could do it the possibilities are amazing.
2006-11-17 01:00:14 · answer #5 · answered by Isis 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋