Mass Conversion Activity
Objectives
- The students will be able to convert from mass to weight.
- The students will be able to convert from weight to mass.
Materials
- Calculator
- Mass Data Sheet
Background
Force equals mass time acceleration. Weight is a force and it can replace force in the equation. The acceleration would be gravity, which is an acceleration.
F (force) = m (mass) * a (acceleration)
F = m * a.
Fw (weight) = m (mass) * g (gravity, 9.8 m/s^2)
Fw = m * 9.8 m/s^2.
To change from mass to weight multiply by gravity (9.8 m/s^2)
Example
Change 30 kg (mass) to Newtons (weight)
Fw = m * 9.8 m/s^2
Fw = 30 kg * 9.8 m/s^2 = 294 N.
To change from weight to mass divide by gravity (9.8 m/s^2).
Example
Change 49 N (weight) to mass
m = Fw / 9.8 m/s^2
m = 49 N / 9.8 m/s^2 = 5 kg
Procedure
Use THIS LINK to get the mass data sheet. The data sheet has the mass and weight data for 14 historical planes.
The English measurement systems values are also included in the chart.
Please send any comments to:
Curator:
Dave Mazza
Responsible Official:
Tom Benson