Match each physical concept or measuring instrument to its correct characteristic or function regarding mass and weight.
- MassA fundamental property of an object that remains constant regardless of its location in the universe.
- WeightA force that depends on both the object's amount of matter and the local acceleration due to gravity.
- Double-pan balanceA measuring device that compares an object to known standards and gives consistent readings across different planets.
- Spring scaleA measuring device that determines downward pull by the extension of a coil, yielding different readings on different planets.
Answer
Mass pairs with the constant fundamental property; Weight pairs with the gravity-dependent force; Double-pan balance pairs with the consistent standard-comparison device; Spring scale pairs with the coil-based device.
The correct pairings accurately reflect that mass is an invariant scalar quantity measured consistently by a balance, while weight is a vector force that depends on local gravity and is measured by a spring scale.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Mass is an invariant property measured by comparing it to known standards (using a balance), while weight is a location-dependent force measured by its effect on a spring (using a spring scale).