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

13712 Views

See similar Physics GCSE tutors

Related Physics GCSE answers

All answers ▸

If a ball is thrown at a velocity of 5m/s, what height does it reach?


A rollercoaster carriage wants to go up a slope of length 10m at an angle of 30 degrees above the horizontal, at what speed must the carriage be travelling at the bottom of the slope in order for it to reach the top? (Negligable Drag)


Does kinetic friction always oppose the direction of motion?


Please explain air resistance.


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