How could you use the spring scale to measure mass on the moon?

Answer 1

Metric Units:

First lets consider metric units, so consider that the scale is measuring kilograms. A spring scale uses the following equation to calculate mass:

k*x / g = m

where k is the spring constant, x is the deformation of the spring (due to gravity), g is the gravity constant, and m is the mass in kilograms. The scale probably won't work because it is calibrated to use Earth's gravity constant, g = ~9.81 m/s^2. If that value is changed then you can use the scale on a different planetary body.

English Units:

Now to discuss the extremely confusing English units of pounds. It should be important to recognize the difference between mass pounds and force pounds in English units. Sometimes these are referred to as lb-m and lb-f (respectively) to alleviate confusion. A pound mass is the amount of mass that weighs one pound force on Earth. This unit is really only relevant on Earth, should probably never be used, and is replaced in engineering and science by the unit of Slugs. (For more on the topic of Slugs check out the articles on wikipedia, or do a Google search.) A scale that calculates force pounds uses the equation:

k*x = F

where F is the force or "weight" of your body due to gravity. By definition, to convert from Force-Pounds to Mass-Pounds, we have to multiply by 1, so on Earth the scale will tell your mass and your weight (since they are the same number, but not the same unit). Your scale will properly measure Force-pounds, or the "weight" of the object on a different planet, but it will not measure properly the mass of the object.

Answer 2

You could use a spring scale to measure mass on the moon by hanging an object on the scale and noting the reading. However, since the moon has less gravity than Earth, the scale would show a lower reading since the gravitational pull is weaker. To get an accurate measurement, you would need to adjust for the difference in gravity between the moon and Earth.

Answer 3

Do you mean the mass on the moon of an object he broughtwith him from earth ?

That doesn't need to be determined, because it's the same as the mass on earth.

Mass doesn't change.

Or do you mean the mass of an object he finds on the moon ? That can be measured

with a bathroom scale. If the scale reads metric weights (newtons), then the mass in

kg is the displayed weight multiplied by 0.625. If the scale reads in pounds, then the

mass in pounds-mass is the displayed weight multiplied by 6.125 .

Answer 4

The metric unit for weight is Newtons.

And for mass, the kilogramme.

"Weight", strictly speaking, is the product of gravitational acceleration in m/s2 and mass in kg, so 1N = 9.8 X 1 = 9.8.

Your mass would be the same on the Moon as on Earth but your weight would be about 1/6.

Answer 5

You would have to use an instrument called the "equal-arm balance." The property it measures is mass. The balance machine will also give you the same results in places such as Chicago, Denver, or even the Moon.

Answer 6

Its good to be measured by weight on the moon and it four side for each and you added each side what you have and then subtract by 2 and you get the answer

Answer 7

On moon, kg can be used to measure weight. Weight becomes 1/6 as compared to weight of object on earth.