When considering the effect of gravity, what is the relationship between mass and weight?

Mass and weight are fundamental concepts in biomechanics and physics that express different properties of an object. Mass refers to the amount of matter in an object, which remains constant regardless of the object's location in the universe. In contrast, weight is the force exerted on an object due to gravity and is calculated by the formula weight = mass × gravitational acceleration.

When considering an object's weight, it can fluctuate based on the strength of the gravitational field acting upon it. For instance, an object on the surface of the Earth weighs significantly more than it would on the Moon, where the gravitational acceleration is weaker. Thus, weight is variable depending on location, but mass remains unchanged.

This distinction is essential in biomechanics because it affects how forces are analyzed in movement and stability. Understanding that mass is a constant property, while weight can change with gravitational forces provides a clear perspective on how objects interact dynamically with their environment.