when you hold a textbook and a pencil why does the textbook feel heavier than the pencil

Answer 1

The difference in the perceived weight between a textbook and a pencil is mainly due to their mass and how we experience weight.

1. Mass: A textbook has significantly more mass than a pencil. Mass is a measure of the amount of matter in an object, and since the textbook contains more material, it is inherently heavier.

2. Weight: Weight is the force exerted by gravity on an object. The heavier the object (greater mass), the greater the force of gravity acting on it. Therefore, the textbook experiences a stronger gravitational pull compared to the pencil.

3. Feel and Pressure: When you hold both items, the textbook exerts more force on your hand due to its weight, which you perceive as heaviness. Your brain interprets this greater force as a heavier feeling.

In summary, the textbook feels heavier than the pencil because it has more mass, resulting in greater weight, which you perceive through the force it applies when you hold it.