Physics: Mass, Weight and Gravity

Vocabulary flashcards covering core physics concepts of mass, weight, gravity, gravitational field strength, units, and equations based on the lecture slides.

Mass

A measure of how much matter an object contains, which has units of kilograms ($\text{kg}$) and remains unchanged anywhere in the universe provided it is not altered.

Weight

The force an object experiences in a gravitational field, which acts towards the centre of the field's source and has units of newtons ($\text{N}$).

Gravitational Field Strength ($g$)

The force a gravitational field exerts per kilogram of mass, measured in newtons per kilogram ($\text{N/kg}$).

Weight Equation

The mathematical expression $W = mg$, where weight ($W$) equals mass ($m$) multiplied by gravitational field strength ($g$).

Acceleration of Free Fall

An alternative term for gravitational field strength ($g$), expressed in units of meters per second squared ($\text{m/s}^2$).

Gravitational Field Strength of Earth

The value of gravitational field strength on Earth, which is $9.8\,\text{N/kg}$ (or an acceleration of free fall of $9.8\,\text{m/s}^2$).

Gravitational Field Strength of Saturn

The acceleration of free fall on Saturn, which is $11\,\text{m/s}^2$.

Gravitational Field Strength of Mercury

The acceleration of free fall on Mercury, which is $3.6\,\text{m/s}^2$.

Kilogram ($\text{kg}$)

The standard unit of measurement for mass.

Newton ($\text{N}$)

The standard unit of measurement for weight and force.