We weigh less on the Moon because the Moon's gravitational force is much weaker than Earth's. This weaker gravity is due to the Moon's smaller mass and size compared to Earth. Specifically, the Moon has about one-sixth the mass of Earth, so the gravitational pull it exerts is only about one-sixth as strong. As a result, astronauts on the Moon feel only about one-sixth of their Earth weight, even though their mass remains the same.

Explanation of Weight Difference

• Weight is the force of gravity acting on an object's mass.
• Gravitational force depends on the mass of the celestial body and the distance from its center.
• Because the Moon has lower mass, its gravitational pull is weaker.
• Therefore, weight is reduced, but mass (amount of matter) remains constant.

Practical Impact

• On the Moon, a person who weighs 180 pounds on Earth would weigh about 30 pounds.
• This lower weight enables astronauts to jump higher and move more easily on the lunar surface.
• Tools and equipment feel lighter and require less effort to handle.

This difference in gravity explains why we weigh less on the Moon while having the same mass.