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Mass Conversion Activity



Objectives

  1. The students will be able to convert from mass to weight.
  2. The students will be able to convert from weight to mass.


Materials

  1. Calculator
  2. Mass Data Sheet


Background

Force equals mass time acceleration. Weight is a force and it can replace force in the equation. The acceleration would be gravity, which is an acceleration.


F (force) = m (mass) * a (acceleration)
F = m * a.

Fw (weight) = m (mass) * g (gravity, 9.8 m/s^2)
Fw = m * 9.8 m/s^2.

To change from mass to weight multiply by gravity (9.8 m/s^2)

Example
Change 30 kg (mass) to Newtons (weight)
Fw = m * 9.8 m/s^2
Fw = 30 kg * 9.8 m/s^2 = 294 N.

To change from weight to mass divide by gravity (9.8 m/s^2).

Example
Change 49 N (weight) to mass
m = Fw / 9.8 m/s^2
m = 49 N / 9.8 m/s^2 = 5 kg


Procedure

Use THIS LINK to get the mass data sheet. The data sheet has the mass and weight data for 14 historical planes.
The English measurement systems values are also included in the chart.

BACK TO ACTIVITY



Related Pages:
LIFT Home Page
Aeronautics Activities
Aerospace Activities Page
Aerodynamics Index

 

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Editor: Tom Benson
NASA Official: Tom Benson
Last Updated: May 13 2021

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