When you hold a textbook and a pencil, why does the textbook feel heavier than the pencil?

A. The textbook has a stronger attraction to Earth.
B. The textbook has less mass than the pencil.
C. You can grip the pencil with more strength.
D. Your hand repels the textbook with less force.

1 answer

The correct answer is B. The textbook has less mass than the pencil.

The perception of weight is based on the mass of the object. Mass refers to the amount of matter in an object. In this case, the textbook has more mass than the pencil, and therefore it feels heavier when held. The strength of Earth's gravity is the same for both objects, so option A is not correct. Option C and D are not relevant to explaining why the textbook feels heavier.