A person who weighs 100 pounds on Earth weighs 16.6 lb . on the moon.
a. Which variable is the independent variable? Explain why.
b. What is an equation that relates weight on Earth to weight on the moon?
c. How much would a 185 -pound astronaut weigh on the moon? Use an equation to explain how you kng
d. How much would a man who weighs 50 pounds on the moon weigh on Earth?

Weight on different celestial bodies is influenced by gravity, which is why you see such a stark difference in weight when one moves from Earth to the Moon. Weight is directly proportional to the gravitational pull exerted on the object, making the Earth an independent variable here, while the Moon’s gravitational pull acts as a dependent variable affecting the object’s weight.

To relate weight on Earth to weight on the Moon, you can use the equation: Weight on Moon = Weight on Earth × (Moon’s gravity / Earth’s gravity). Since the Moon’s gravity is about 1/6th that of Earth’s, the precise equation would be: Weight on Moon = Weight on Earth × 0.166.

Using that equation, a 185-pound astronaut would weigh on the Moon: 185 lb × 0.166 = approximately 30.71 lb. This showcases how dramatically weight can shift with a change in location and gravity!

Now, using the inverse of the previous relationship, if a man weighs 50 pounds on the Moon, you flip the equation: Weight on Earth = Weight on Moon / 0.166. So, this man would weigh about 50 lb / 0.166 ≈ 301.2 lb on Earth. Talk about a cosmic power gain!