Difference between mass and weight in tabular form

The difference between mass and weight is one of the most frequently asked questions among physics students. In fact, some students often use the terms mass and weight interchangeably, which is completely incorrect. mass and weight in tabular form

To help you pick out these differences, in this article we go into all the distinctions between these two physical concepts in depth . So let’s start with a recurring Greek question. mass and weight in tabular form

Is mass and weight the same?

As we have discussed, mass and weight are completely different physical entities of objects. Mass is not the same as the weight of an object. Look, below we show you the main difference.

Main Difference mass and weight in tabular form

The main difference is that the mass of a certain object is invariable. It is always the same regardless of where you are. Instead, the weight of objects is determined by gravity and will vary depending on the force or load of gravity to which it is subjected.

What is the difference between the concepts of weight and mass ?

A before moving to other mass and weight differences, it is important to know what they are and how they relate these two physical concepts . Therefore, in the comparison table you will find their definitions as well as the various comparisons and differences between them.

We show them in the following comparative table.

Tabular Form:

	Mass	Weight
Definition	Mass is simply the measure of the amount of matter in a body.	Weight is the measure of the amount of force acting on a mass due to acceleration due to gravity.
Symbol	The mass is denoted by “M”.	Weight is indicated by “P”.
Formula	Mass is always constant for a body and there are several formulas to calculate mass . One way to calculate mass is: Mass = volume × density	Weight is the measure of the gravitational force acting on a body. It can be calculated with the following formula: Weight = mass × acceleration due to gravity
Value type	Mass is a base value. It only has magnitude and, therefore, it is a scalar quantity.	Weight is a derived value. It has magnitude and direction (towards the center of gravity) and is therefore a vector quantity.
Unit of measurement	The SI unit of mass is Kilogram (Kg).	The SI unit of weight is Newton (N).
Gravitational effect	Mass does not depend on gravity and is constant everywhere. Its value can never be zero.	Weight depends on gravity and therefore varies from place to place. Its value can be zero where there is no gravity (like space).
Measuring instrument	Mass can be easily measured using any ordinary balance like beam balance, lever balance, plate balance, etc.	Weight can be measured with a spring scale or using its formula.

Summary:

These were the main differences between mass and weight that confuse many students. It is important to know this topic in detail, as it is a crucial part of mechanics in physics.

Often times, questions based on differences in mass and weight are also included in competitive exams.

Students are also required to have a thorough understanding of the basics of mass and weight. In addition, the formulas for determining weight and mass are crucial from an examination point of view.

Mohammad Asif Goraya

M A Goraya has qualification of M.phil in Agricultural Sciences. He has almost 15 years of teaching Experience at college and university level. He likes to share his research based knowledge with his students and audience.