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

11888 Views

See similar Physics GCSE tutors

Related Physics GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Why does a balloon 'stick' to a wall when one has rubbed it on one's head?


Describe the structure of an alpha particle


Why does voltage increase (for a constant current) if temperature increases?


Why does a change in depth in water give a far greater difference in pressure than the same change in height in air?


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:

© 2025 by IXL Learning