A student weighs a fruit on Earth using a newton-meter and records a weight of 2 N. The student then imagines taking the same fruit to the surface of Venus, where the gravitational field strength is greater than on Earth. State what would happen to the mass and to the weight of the fruit on Venus, and explain why each quantity changes or stays the same.

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 stays the same on Venus
Because mass is the amount of matter in the object and does not depend on gravitational field strength
Weight increases on Venus
Because weight equals mass multiplied by gravitational field strength, and the field strength is greater on Venus

Examiner tips

  • Use the word ‘stays the same’ for mass, ‘increases’ for weight
  • Explain that mass is independent of gravity, weight depends on g
  • Show the relationship W=mg to justify the change
  • Keep the answer concise, matching the 4 marks

Common mistakes

  • Confusing mass with weight and saying mass changes
  • Using ‘decreases’ for weight on Venus
  • Failing to mention the relationship W=mg

Mark scheme (4 marks)

  1. Mass stays the same / is unchanged on Venus
  2. Because mass is the amount of matter in the object / mass does not depend on gravitational field strength
  3. Weight increases on Venus
  4. Because weight equals mass multiplied by gravitational field strength, and gravitational field strength is greater on Venus

Key terms in this question

mass · weight · gravitational field strength

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