Question

Describe how the *weight* of a spacecraft would compare between when it was on earth and when it was on the moon.

describe how the *mass* of a spacecraft would compare between when it was on earth and when it was on the moon

Answer 1

The mass of a spacecraft is the same on earth as the moon.

W = F = M a the weight is different because the acceleration due to gravity is less on the moon than it is on earth.

On could choose a different mode of acceleration, say a compressed spring, and find that mass of an object does not depend on gravitational attraction. F = M a holds on the moon as well as on earth