A delivery drone carries a package from Earth to a space station orbiting a distant planet where the gravitational field strength is greater than on Earth. Explain how the weight and the mass of the package differ between Earth and the space station.

Cambridge International IGCSE Physics (0625) — 1.3 Mass and weight · Explain · 4 marks · View as Markdown

Written & reviewed by James Millett — Biology (Imperial College London), PGCE Science (University of Cambridge).

Model answer (4 marks)

Mass of the package remains the same on Earth and at the space station.

Because mass is the measure of how much matter is in the object and does not depend on gravitational field strength.

The weight of the package is greater at the space station than on Earth.

Because weight equals mass multiplied by gravitational field strength (W = mg), so a greater gravitational field strength produces a greater weight.

Examiner tips

  • Use the exact phrase ‘mass remains the same’ to secure the first point. Show the weight equation W = mg and state that g is larger at the station. Keep the answer concise – 4 points can be covered in 4 short sentences.

Common mistakes

  • Confusing mass with weight and saying mass changes. Using the wrong equation (e.g., F = ma) instead of W = mg. Omitting the reason why weight changes – the gravitational field strength.

Mark scheme (4 marks)

  1. Mass of the package remains the same / is unchanged between Earth and the space station
  2. Because mass is the measure of how much matter is in the object / mass does not depend on gravitational field strength
  3. The weight of the package is greater at the space station than on Earth
  4. Because weight equals mass multiplied by gravitational field strength (W = mg), so a greater gravitational field strength produces a greater weight

Key terms in this question

mass · weight · gravitational field strength

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