Final answer:
A mass experiences a weight due to a gravitational field is the correct statement. Mass measures the amount of matter and remains constant, whereas weight measures the gravitational force and varies with gravity's strength.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct statement about mass and weight is that a mass experiences a weight due to a gravitational field. Mass is a measure of the amount of matter in an object and is typically measured in kilograms or slugs. Weight, however, refers to the gravitational force acting on an object which varies depending on the strength of gravity at that location, which is why it's measured in newtons or pounds. An object's weight changes when the force of gravity changes, but its mass remains constant unless matter is added or removed.
For example, an astronaut's mass remains the same whether they are on Earth or the moon, but their weight is significantly less on the moon due to its weaker gravitational pull. Items such as our medical records often incorrectly list our 'weight' in kilograms (a mass unit) rather than newtons (a weight unit), leading to a common misconception between the two terms.