**Class Notes on Mass**
**1. Definition of Mass:**
Mass is a measure of the amount of matter in an object. It is a fundamental property
of an object and does not change regardless of the object's location in the universe.
**Key Points:**
- Mass is a scalar quantity.
- It is independent of gravity or the object's position in space.
- Mass is often confused with weight, but they are distinct properties (weight
depends on gravity).
**SI Unit:**
The SI unit of mass is the kilogram (\(kg\)). Other units include grams (\(g\)) and
metric tons (\(t\)).
---
**2. Mass vs. Weight:**
1. **Mass:**
- Refers to the quantity of matter in an object.
- Measured in kilograms (\(kg\)).
- Remains constant regardless of location.
2. **Weight:**
- Refers to the gravitational force acting on an object.
- Measured in newtons (\(N\)).
- Changes with the strength of gravity.
- Formula: \(W = mg\), where \(g = 9.8 \; m/s^2\) on Earth.
**Example:**
- An object with a mass of \(10 \; kg\) has the same mass on Earth and the Moon.
However, its weight is less on the Moon due to lower gravity.
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**3. Types of Mass:**
1. **Inertial Mass:**
- Measures an object's resistance to acceleration when a force is applied.
- Used in Newton's Second Law: \(F = ma\).
2. **Gravitational Mass:**
- Measures the strength of the gravitational attraction between objects.
- Determines the weight of an object.
---
**4. Conservation of Mass:**
The law of conservation of mass states that mass cannot be created or destroyed in
a closed system. It remains constant over time.
**Example:**
In chemical reactions, the total mass of reactants equals the total mass of products.
\[
\text{Mass of Reactants} = \text{Mass of Products}
\]
---
**5. Applications of Mass:**
1. **Engineering:**
- Designing vehicles, buildings, and machines requires precise mass calculations.
2. **Astronomy:**
- Mass is used to calculate gravitational forces between celestial objects.
3. **Everyday Life:**
- Buying goods (e.g., groceries) involves measuring mass.
4. **Medicine:**
- Calculating doses for medications often depends on a patient's mass.
---
**6. Practice Problem:**
A car has a mass of \(1500 \; kg\). If a force of \(3000 \; N\) is applied, what is its
acceleration?
**Solution:**
Given:
\(m = 1500 \; kg\), \(F = 3000 \; N\)
\[
a = \frac{F}{m} = \frac{3000}{1500} = 2 \; m/s^2
\]
Acceleration = \(2 \; m/s^2\).
---
**7. Key Observations:**
- Mass affects an object's inertia: heavier objects are harder to accelerate.
- Mass also influences gravitational attraction between objects.
**8. Importance of Accurate Mass Measurement:**
- Ensures safety and efficiency in engineering designs.
- Plays a critical role in scientific experiments and calculations.
