Question

A probe is launched from Earth and lands on Mars. The gravitational acceleration on Mars is 3.7 m/s2.

Which statement best compares the mass and weight of the probe?

The mass of the probe remains the same, but the weight of the probe increases.
The mass of the probe remains the same, but the weight of the probe decreases.
The mass of the probe increases, but the weight of the probe remains the same.
The mass of the probe decreases, but the weight of the probe remains the same.

Answer 1

The statement that best compares the mass and weight of the probe launched from Earth and lands on Mars is the second statement. It states that the mass of the probe remains the same, but the weight decreases. The weight of the probe on Mars is 3/8 of its weight when it is on Earth.

Answer 2

The correct option is this: THE MASS OF THE PROBE REMAINS THE SAME, BUT THE WEIGHT OF THE PROBE DECREASES.

The mass of an object is a measure of the amount of substance it contains and this amount always remain the same unless there is a change in quantity of matter. This is the reason why the mass of a substance will remain constant, no matter where it is placed, whether on planet earth or on another planet. The weight of a substance on the other hand is a force, whose value depends on the force of gravity. Thus, the force of gravity that exist in the place, where the object is placed will determine its weight.