Gravitational Force, Weight, and Mass (Topic 1.2)

A set of question-and-answer flashcards covering definitions and key facts about gravitational force, weight, mass, and related concepts from Topic 1.2.

What is gravitational force?

A field force that pulls matter together.

Which two factors mainly affect the magnitude of the gravitational force between two objects?

Their masses (heavier objects exert stronger force) and the distance between them (force increases as distance decreases).

Do all objects exert gravitational force?

Yes, every object exerts a gravitational pull on the objects around it.

How is weight defined in physics?

The gravitational force that Earth (or another celestial body) exerts on an object.

In which units is weight measured?

Newtons (N).

What is mass?

The amount of matter in an object.

In which units is mass measured?

Kilograms (kg).

Does the mass of an object change when its location changes? Why or why not?

No. Mass remains constant because the amount of matter in the object does not change.

Why does an astronaut weigh less on the Moon than on Earth?

Because the Moon exerts a weaker gravitational force than Earth, resulting in a smaller weight for the same mass.

What is Earth’s gravitational acceleration and what is the weight of a 1-kg object on Earth?

Earth’s gravitational acceleration is about 9.8 m/s²; therefore, a 1-kg object weighs approximately 9.8 N.