Mass

Definition

Mass is a measure of the amount of matter in an object, typically measured in kilograms (kg). It is a scalar quantity and does not change regardless of the object's location.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Mass is directly related to inertia; more mass means more inertia.
2. Unlike weight, mass is independent of gravity.
3. Mass plays a key role in Newton's Second Law: $F = ma$.
4. Inertia is the resistance of any physical object to changes in its state of motion or rest, proportional to its mass.
5. Standard units for measuring mass are kilograms (kg) in the International System of Units (SI).

Review Questions

• How does mass affect an object's inertia?
• What unit is used to measure mass in the International System of Units (SI)?
• Is mass dependent on the location of an object? Why or why not?

Related terms

Inertia:

The tendency of an object to resist changes to its state of motion. It is directly proportional to the object's mass.

Force:

$F = ma$: A push or pull acting upon an object as a result of its interaction with another object.

Weight:

The force exerted on an object due to gravity, calculated as $W = mg$, where $g$ is the acceleration due to gravity.