Consider the physical quantities mass and weight.

PHYSICS · Multi-part · AP · Physics 1: Algebra-based · Force and Translational Dynamics · Force and Translational Dynamics

Problem

Consider the physical quantities mass and weight. (a) On the surface of the Earth a stone has weight WW. Explain qualitatively how its weight would change if the same stone is taken to the surface of the Moon. (b) Identify which of the two quantities, mass and weight, is a scalar and which is a vector. Justify your answer briefly with reference to their fundamental definitions. (c) Which of the two quantities, mass or weight, determines the inertia of a body? Explain your answer.

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