W
mg
gc
(185 lbm) 32.17
ft
sec2
32.17
ft lbm
lbf sec2
185 lbf
W
mg
gc
(185 lbm) 5.36
ft
sec2
32.17
ft lbm
lbf sec2
28.19 lbf
Application of Newton's Laws
FORCE AND WEIGHT
Rev. 0
Page 3
CP-04
The mass of a body is the same wherever the body is, whether on the moon or on the earth. The
weight of a body, however, depends upon the local acceleration of gravity. Thus, the weight of an
object is less on the moon than on the earth because the local acceleration of gravity is less on the
moon than on the earth.
Example:
Calculate the weight of a person with a mass of 185 lbm.
Example:
Calculate the weight of a person with a mass of 185 lbm on the moon. Gravity on
the moon is 5.36 ft/sec .2
