Difference Between Mass and Weight
Weight is the force with which gravity pulls on mass.
Perhaps the simplest way to explain the difference is that on the Moon or on Mars, your weight is reduced because gravity is weaker, but your mass remains the same.
Mass Weight
| Definition | Mass is the quantity of matter in a body regardless of its volume or of any forces acting on it. | Weight is a measurement of the gravitational force acting on an object. |
|---|---|---|
| Effect of gravity | Mass is always constant at any place and any time | The weight of an object depends on the gravity at that place |
| Unit of Measurement | Mass is expressed in kilogram (kg), grams (g), and milligram (mg). | Weight is expressed in Newton (N) |
| Balance used for measurement | Mass is measured using a pan balance, a triple-beam balance, lever balance or electronic balance. | Weight is measured using a spring balance. |
| Type of quantity | Scalar and base quantity | Vector and derived quantity |
