Final answer:
Mass and weight are often used interchangeably on Earth because the force of gravity is relatively constant. However, in science, mass and weight have distinct meanings. Mass is the measure of how much matter is in an object, while weight is the measure of the force of gravity acting on an object.
Step-by-step explanation:
Mass and weight are often used interchangeably in everyday language, but in science, they have distinct meanings. Mass is the measure of how much matter is in an object, while weight is the measure of the force of gravity acting on an object. On Earth, weight and mass are used synonymously because the force of gravity is relatively constant across the planet. However, it is important to remember that weight can vary in different locations, whereas mass remains constant.