Mass

Definition

Mass is a measure of the amount of matter in an object. It is typically measured in kilograms (kg) or grams (g).

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Mass is independent of gravity and remains constant regardless of location.
2. The SI unit for mass is the kilogram (kg).
3. In chemistry, mass is crucial for stoichiometric calculations and chemical reactions.
4. Mass can be determined using a balance or scale.
5. Unlike weight, mass does not change when an object moves from one place to another.

Review Questions

• What is the primary SI unit for measuring mass?
• How does mass differ from weight?
• Why is mass important in stoichiometry?

Related terms

Weight:

A measure of the force exerted on an object due to gravity, usually measured in newtons (N).

Matter:

Anything that has mass and takes up space.

Density:

A measure of how much mass is contained in a given volume, often expressed as $\text{mass/volume}$.