What is the difference between the weight and mass of an object?

The distinction between weight and mass is a fundamental concept in physics. Mass refers to the amount of matter in an object and is measured in kilograms or grams. It remains constant regardless of the object's location, meaning it does not change with different gravitational fields; for example, an object's mass will be the same on Earth as it would be on the Moon.

Weight, on the other hand, is the force exerted by gravity on that mass. It is calculated by multiplying the mass by the acceleration due to gravity (which varies depending on the celestial body). Therefore, weight can change based on where the object is located because different locations have different gravitational pulls.

So, stating that mass is not affected by gravity accurately reflects that it remains constant in all scenarios, while weight is a variable that changes with gravity. Understanding this distinction is crucial in HVAC and refrigeration, as measurements involving forces and mass can affect system performance and design calculations.