Q&A for How to Calculate the Mass of an Object

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I need to find the density of an object. I know the volume and weight of the object but not the mass. Method 1 uses a scale: does that mean weight and mass are equal? Please clarify this relationship.

Donagan

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For practical purposes, weight and mass are the same thing. Mass is the amount of matter in an object. Mass does not depend on the object's location. Weight, on the other hand, is the measurement of gravitational pull on an object and can change with location.

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3 apples have a mean mass of 100 grams. The largest apple is removed, the mean mass of 2 remaining is 70 g. What is the mass of the largest apple?

Donagan

Top Answerer

The three apples weigh a total of 300 g (3 x 100). The two apples weigh a total of 140 g (2 x 70). Therefore, the largest apple weighs 160 g (300 - 140).

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How do I calculate a mass of a stone?

Donagan

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If you know the volume and density, use Method 2 above. Otherwise, you'll have to weigh it.

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How do I calculate the mass of an object when I am given only the radius?

Donagan

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You don't have enough information to find the mass.

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If 20 kg represents 80% of the mass of an object, how would I find the mass?

Donagan

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Divide 20 by .8.

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How do I tell that I now have the dry mass of an object?

Donagan

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Dry off the object. If it's too irregular to dry it easily, heat it until all moisture has evaporated.

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How do I calculate the mass of an object when I've only been given its acceleration due to gravity?

Donagan

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You can't do it. In a vacuum, all masses accelerate at the same rate (and would hit the ground simultaneously if dropped from the same height at the same time).

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