FlipFact of the Day: Would you really weigh less on Mars than you do on Earth? And if so, why?
When you step on a weighing scale, it shows you the force of attraction between yourself and Earth. This is calculated based on two things: your mass (how much matter is actually in you) and how far you are from Earth‘s center as you’re standing on its surface.
In addition, the more massive the planet, the stronger the gravitational pull. Earth (with an average gravitational acceleration of about 9.807 m/s²) is roughly ten times as massive as Mars (about 3.711 m/s²). Hence, your weight on Mars would only be approximately three-eighths of your weight on Earth.
However, unless you actually stick to your diet like you said you would, your mass would remain the same, so… 🤷♂️
Want to know how much you’d weigh on other planets? Check out this handy calculator: https://
Today’s Science History Milestone: On August 26, 1740, Joseph-Michel Montgolfier, the co-inventor of the hot air balloon, was born.
Still remember your 5th-grade science classes? Test your knowledge and see if you still remember these facts and fundamental concepts in human anatomy, biology, botany, and other branches of science. Click here to try the “Are You Smarter Than A Pinoy Fifth-Grader” Challenge.
Follow the hashtag #FlipFacts on Facebook and Instagram to get your daily dose of science trivia!
Cover: NASA
Author: Mikael Angelo Francisco
Bitten by the science writing bug, Mikael has years of writing and editorial experience under his belt. As the editor-in-chief of FlipScience, Mikael has sworn to help make science more fun and interesting for geeky readers and casual audiences alike.
