Is is correct to say that mass is a property of matter that is the same
in every coordinate system; while weight, a force acting on matter,
depends entirely on the frame of reference and coordinate system
employed?
I am thinking, a 75 Kg shuttle astronaut has a mass of 75 Kg in every
and any reference system? The astronaut is "weightless" in a coordinate
system centered on the spacecraft, but has a weight depending on his
mass and altitude in a coordinate system centered on the Earth? The
weight force usually associated with 75 Kg of mass is about 165 lbs at
the Earth's surface, but decreases to about 150 lbs at shuttle
altitude? The weight force even varies depending on whether one's
coordinate system assumes a stationary Earth or a rotating Earth, does
it not?
Best wishes,
Larry
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Larry Cartwright
Retired (June 2001) Physics Teacher
Charlotte MI 48813 USA <exit60@ia4u.net>
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