Which property of matter changes depending on the gravitational pull?
A density
B mass
C volume
D weight
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is D) weight.
Explanation:
Weight is a measure of the force exerted on an object due to gravity. It is calculated by multiplying the mass of the object by the acceleration due to gravity (W = m × g). This means that weight is directly affected by the strength of the gravitational field in which the object is located.
For instance, the acceleration due to gravity on Earth is approximately 9.81 m/s². If you were to weigh an object on the Moon, where the gravitational pull is only about 1.62 m/s², the object would weigh significantly less than it does on Earth. This change in weight occurs because the mass of the object remains constant regardless of its location; it is the gravitational force acting upon it that varies.
In contrast, other properties of matter like density, mass, and volume do not change with gravitational pull:
- Mass (Option B) is the amount of matter in an object and remains constant regardless of location. An object with a mass of 10 kilograms on Earth will still have a mass of 10 kilograms on the Moon or in outer space.
- Density (Option A) is defined as mass per unit volume (density = mass/volume) and also does not change due to gravity. An object’s density remains constant unless its mass or volume changes.
- Volume (Option C) is the amount of space an object occupies and is typically unaffected by gravity in terms of measurement. While certain materials can change volume under extreme conditions (like gases compressing under high pressure), this is not a direct result of changes in gravitational pull.
In summary, while mass, density, and volume are intrinsic properties of matter that do not vary with gravitational pull, weight is the only property that changes based on the strength of the gravitational field.