Explain like I’m 5. Ok I’m confused. If I “weigh” 100 lbs on earth it is due to the pull of the earths gravity on my body. But in space I’d be weightless. So how do you calculate mass of something in space ? All this thought because of the new toilet going up to the space station !!!
In: Physics
It is more difficult to measure mass in space for sure! The main thing mass gives you in a weightless environment is inertia. So how much force do you have to apply to something to get it moving.
For example, a paperclip has very little mass, so you could gently push it and send it sailing across the space station. The new toilet, I presume, is pretty massive, so it would take a lot of force to start (or stop!) It moving.
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