Can an object be weightless but still have mass?

Yes, an object can be weightless but still have mass.

Weight and mass are two different concepts in physics. Mass is a measure of the amount of matter in an object and it remains constant everywhere in the universe. It is measured in kilograms (kg). On the other hand, weight is the force exerted on an object due to gravity. It is calculated by multiplying the mass of an object by the acceleration due to gravity. It is measured in newtons (N) and can vary depending on where the object is in the universe.

For instance, if an object is in space, far from any significant sources of gravity, it would be weightless because there is no force of gravity acting on it. However, it would still have mass because the amount of matter in the object has not changed. This is why astronauts in space are weightless but still have mass.

Similarly, if an object is in free fall (like when you drop something and it is falling towards the ground), it is also considered to be weightless. This is because, during free fall, the only force acting on the object is gravity, which is pulling it downwards. However, the object's mass remains the same.

In conclusion, while weight can change depending on the gravitational force acting on an object, mass remains constant. Therefore, an object can be weightless but still have mass.