Mass and Balance

1   The empty scale-pan

How many pounds or kilograms do you need to put on the empty scale-pan?

2   The Earth weighs about 

2.1  

13,170,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 pounds (or 

2.2

5,974,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 kilograms). 

3  Too big

Since Earth is too big to be placed on a scale, scientists use mathematics and the laws of gravity to figure out the Earth's weight. 

4  Make the weights easier.

Can you write 2.1 and 2.2 without all those noughts?

If not, go to Item 2 here.

                 What is the name given to this object?

                        Just imagine trying to weigh it!

                                  Read item 3 on the left.