Many students think of mass and weight as alternative words for the same property
Misconception
Diagnostic Resources
The following worksheets may help to identify whether students hold this particular misconception.
For more information, see the University of York EPSE website.
To probe weight and mass:
EPSE Gravity Q11The following two questions ask about the acceleration of an object when pulled by the same force in different locations (i.e. with different weights).
EPSE Gravity Q14This concept cartoon and response sheet may prompt pupils to think about their answers to the comments of the cartoon characters.
EPSE Gravity Q19Resource to Address This
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Dan Smolski
This resource will support classroom discussion on the difference between mass and weight.
View Resource -
More careful thinking about mass (11-14)
Although the physics definition of mass is in terms of resistance to acceleration, we can see that this measure is directly linked to the amount of stuff idea, in that the more matter or stuff there is in an object, the harder it is to set into motion, or to stop.
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Mass and weight (11-16)
You cannot hope to clear up the great distinction between mass and weight by narrowing down the use of those common words. Nor can you exclude them or replace them in science. Students have to learn to live with their sloppy complexity.
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References
The following studies have documented this misconception:
- Dilber, R., Karaman, I. and Duzgun, B. () High school students' understanding of projectile motion concepts. Educational Research and Evaluation, 15 (3), 203-222.
Addressing misconceptions students have about motion can be difficult, especially more complex ideas such as projectile motion. This study demonstrates that interventions can be effective if they are designed to challenge misconceptions explicitly. Simulations can be very beneficial in this process as they allow students to more easily visualise forces and discuss how they affect motion.
Paper digest - Brown, D. and Clement, J. () "Classroom Teaching Experiments in Mechanics" in R. Duit, F. Goldberg, & H. Niedderer (eds.), Research in physics learning - theoretical issues and empirical studies. San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, 380-397.