Answer to Question #173263 in Physics for Denisse Bisuña

Question

Let us say you are in outer space with two boxes in front of you. One box is filled with feathers and the other contains scrap materials. How will you determine the box with more mass?

Answer 1

After being pushed with the same force, the heavier box should gain the smaller acceleration (according to the second Newton's law). Thus, it is enough to push both boxes with the same force. That one that gain less acceleration (travelled less distance after some time) will be the box with more mass.

Answer. Push them.