Why do you weigh less on the Moon than on Earth?

Weight is the product of an object's mass and the dominant gravitational field that it feels. On Earth, objects feel a gravitational acceleration which is dependent on the mass of the earth and its rotational motion. On the moon, these forces are reduced since the moon is much smaller in size. Therefore objects technically 'weigh' less, but not lose any mass.

NM
Answered by Nicky M. Physics tutor

13357 Views

See similar Physics GCSE tutors

Related Physics GCSE answers

All answers ▸

What is the difference between current and voltage?


What is the difference between acceleration, speed and velocity?


A kettle has a 55% energy efficiency. The input energy for the kettle is 378,000 J per boil. Calculate the amount of energy dissipated in 5 boils.


Photons with 605 THz frequency strike metal of 1.2eV work function. Calculate the maximum energy of photoelectrons and their velocity. What amount of energy is necessary to stop all photoelectrons? (Planck's constant. electron mass and charge are given)


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning