Mass as a measure of inertia

Steps:

• Recall that mass is a fundamental property of matter, defined as the measure of an object's inertia.
• Evaluate option A: This describes weight, which depends on gravity, not mass itself.
• Evaluate option B: Momentum is mass times velocity, not mass alone.
• Evaluate option C: This matches the definition of inertia, directly tied to mass.
• Evaluate option D: Weight is gravitational force, measured by scales, while balances compare masses.

Why C is correct:

• Mass is defined in Newton's second law (F = ma) as the resistance to acceleration, or inertia.

Why the others are wrong:

• A: Describes weight (mg), which varies with gravity.
• B: Momentum (mv) requires velocity, not just mass.
• D: Balances measure mass by comparison, but the option confuses it with weight.

Final answer: C