Question

A space rover weighs less on Mars than it does on Earth. Which statement explains this difference? A. The gravitational constant is smaller on Mars than on Earth. B. The mass of Mars is less than the mass of Earth. O C. The rover is farther from Earth. D. The rover has less mass on Mars. .​

Answer 1

B. The mass of Mars is less than the mass of Earth.

Step-by-step explanation:

Mass of an object is the constant anywhere in the universe.

The weight of an object is equal to the gravitational force acting on it.

Weight is given by

`W=(GMm)/(R^2)\\\Rightarrow W=(GM)/(R^2)m\\\Rightarrow W=mg`

where

G = Gravitational constant

M = Mass of Planet

R = Radius of planet

m = Mass of object

g = Acceleration due to gravity

So weight of an object depends on the acceleration due to gravity on that planet. The acceleration due to gravity depends on the mass and radius of the planet.

The weight of the object is less on Mars because mars has less mass compared to Earth.