Mass and weight are different quantities

The mistake

Using kilograms as a force, or reporting weight in kg.

Why it feels right

Everyday scales display a mass estimate in kilograms even though their sensing element responds to force.

How to catch it

A force term carries units of kg, or you added a mass to a force.

The first principle

Mass (kg) is inertia; weight (N) is the gravitational force mg. On the Moon your mass is unchanged but your weight is ~1/6.

worked mini-example

A 5 kg bag — what is its weight on Earth?

Common wrong move

5 kg.

Correct

W = mg = 5·9.8 = 49 N.

Test the repair NL-09 · transfer
include N

Make a fresh prediction before referring to the worked example.