Final answer:
The two parts of a space probe weigh more on Earth than on the Moon because the acceleration due to gravity is greater on Earth, making weights on Earth higher for the same mass. Option A is correct.
Step-by-step explanation:
The weight of an object on Earth compared to the Moon differs because weight depends on the acceleration due to gravity, which is different on each body. For instance, the acceleration due to gravity on Earth is approximately 9.80 m/s², while on the Moon it is much less, only about 1.625 m/s². Therefore, the two parts of a space probe would weigh less on the Moon than on Earth because the gravitational pull is weaker on the Moon. The correct answer to the student's question is A) More than on the moon.
For example, if an astronaut plus their space suit weighs 250 N on the Moon, they would weigh significantly more on Earth. However, their mass remains the same regardless of the celestial body they are on because mass is a measure of the amount of matter in an object and is not affected by gravity.