Universe Cycle - Solar System (6)
 Lab 

PROBLEM: How does the weight of an object change on different planets?

PREDICTION: 

MATERIALS: spring balance (500 gm); items to measure, calculator

PROCEDURE: In your own words, explain the difference between mass and weight.

EXERCISE 1. Measure the following items (remember 1 pound = 16 ounces):

ITEM

GRAMS

CONVERT TO OZ.
(1 lb = 16 ounces)
(1 gm = .0353 ounces)
     
     
     
     

EXERCISE 2. Determine your own weight, and two other items that your teacher has provided. Calculate the weights of yourself and the two items on the planets. To find your weight in grams, use the calculation below.
weight in pounds = _____________ X .4536 = ______________ grams

planets

calculation

my weight on other planets in grams

item 1

item 2

MERCURY

0.36

      

VENUS

0.89

      

EARTH

1.00

      

MARS

0.39

      

JUPITER

2.54

      

SATURN

1.06

      

URANUS

1.08

      

NEPTUNE

1.38

      

PLUTO

0.018

      

CONCLUSIONS:
Why do things have different weights on different planets? 

Where would you be the heaviest and lightest? 

Why does Pluto have a question mark?

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