Final answer:
Mass is the amount of matter in an object and is a constant property that does not change regardless of location. It’s measured against a standard kilogram and determined using a balance. The correct answer is option B. The amount of matter in an object.
Step-by-step explanation:
Definition of Mass
Mass is the amount of matter that an object contains. It is a measure of the quantity of the material composed of atoms and molecules that make up an object. Unlike weight, which can vary based on location due to gravitational forces, mass is a constant property of matter and does not change whether the object is on Earth, in orbit, or on the surface of the Moon.
In scientific terms, mass is measured using a balance which compares an object's mass to a standard kilogram. This standardized unit of mass, originally based on the mass of 1 liter of water at 4°C, ensures that mass measurements are accurate and consistent. The comparison using a balance takes into account that a kilogram of cotton balls and a kilogram of gold have the same mass, namely one kilogram, but differing volumes and densities.
Therefore, in answering the multiple-choice question, the correct definition of mass is 'B. The amount of matter in an object.' Mass is intrinsically linked to the concept of inertia, indicating that a more massive object has more inertia and is more resistant to changes in its state of motion compared to a less massive object.