The weight of an object is its mass multiplied by the acceleration of gravity. The acceleration of gravity is 9.8 under standard conditions on the surface of the Earth. This formula is valid at all times, even if the object is not accelerating. According to this formula, the larger the mass of an object, the higher its force of gravity or weight. In relation to the force of gravity, the mass can be determined by dividing its weight by the value of the acceleration gravity, which is 9.8 if the object is located on Earth.
The mass of an object is the amount of matter that exists in a given object. The symbol of the mass is "m." The mass of an object remains the same regardless of its location in the universe, gravity, speed or other forces that may exist in its neighborhood. Consequently, an object with a mass of 1 kg on Earth will preserve its mass on a different planet, when standing or in motion, and regardless on whether there are any forces that act on it.
The confusion of weight and mass is common, but these two are not one and the same. The weight is a force and it is a variable amount. The weight depends on the planet the object is located, as well as the acceleration gravity of that planet. The acceleration gravity is 9.8 on Earth, but on the Moon it is 1.7, so this means that the mass of an object has a lower weight on the moon. However, given that the mass is invariable, the object has the same mass both on the moon and on Earth.
In physics, the force of gravity and the weight is measured in Newtons, according to the International System of Units. The International System of Units official unit of measurement for mass is the kilogram. Under standard conditions, on Earth, 1 kilogram is the equivalent of 9.8 Newtons. Outside the International System of Units, mass may be measured in other units, such as the slug (sl.) or pounds (lb.). One sl. is the equivalent of approximately 14.6 kg, while 1 lb. equals 0.45 kg. In scientific work, the use of SI units is encouraged.