Mass vs Matter
In chemistry and physics classes, we were able to encounter words that are always being discussed grade by grade up to high school and college. We were always bombarded by these concepts that we already know and are familiar with. At the back of our mind are the phrases like, “I encountered this since elementary!” or “Not again!”
But the reality is that knowledge is prerequisite to a previous subject or idea which is needed to be understood first before being learned or before one can fully apply that terminology. An example of this is the concept of mass and matter which we can define and differentiate by ourselves. However, let us discuss it again and see the differences.
As we all know, “matter” is defined as “anything that occupies space and has mass,” and “mass” is defined as “something that represents the amount of matter in a particular space, particle or object.”
In terms of features, matter can be seen while mass cannot. It is only quantifiable. The unit of mass is a kilogram while matter can be measured using different forms of units of measurement such as weight, mass, or volume. Matter can be categorized into varying forms. Physically, it can be classified as a solid, liquid, or gas. It can also be either in the form of dark matter or normal matter. When quantity is used to define it, it can be separated into mass or waves.
“Mass,” on the other hand, has three different forms such as: active gravitational mass, inertial mass, and passive gravitational mass. There are no differences regarding the three forms of mass. As long as anything can be measured through its mass, it has, therefore, mass. Though “mass” and “weight” are being confused. “Weight” is measured through Newton while “mass” is measured through kilograms. Mass will not change either here on planet Earth or on the moon regardless of the pull of gravity. Weight, however, will not remain constant on the moon as the gravity acts on it; therefore, we are heavier on the earth. Mass can be measured by weighing or by a computation of the force divided by acceleration.
Summary:
1.As we all know, “matter” is defined as “anything that occupies space and has mass,” and “mass” is defined as “something that represents the amount of matter in a particular space, particle, or object.”
2.In terms of features, matter can be seen while mass is only quantifiable.
3.The unit of mass is kilogram while matter can be measured using different forms of units of measurement such as weight, mass, or volume.