Question

The inertia of an object is a quantitative measure of its

• A. Volume
• B. Density
• C. Mass
• D. Temperature

Answer 1

The correct option is C

Mass

The explanation for the correct option:

Option (C): Mass

1. Newton's first law of motion states that an object at rest tends to be at rest, and an object in motion tends to be in motion with its constant velocity until a net external force is acted upon it.
2. This law gives rise to the concept of inertia, which resists this change in the state of rest or motion of a body.
3. Accordingly, there are three types of inertia: the inertia of rest, the inertia of motion, and the inertia of direction.
4. The measure of inertia depends upon the amount of matter present in the considered body.
5. Mass is a measure of the amount of matter present in a body.
6. Therefore, the inertia of an object is a quantitative measure of its mass.

The explanation for the incorrect option:

Option (A): Volume

1. The volume itself cannot describe the amount of matter present in a body.
2. The product of volume and density gives us the amount of matter present in a body.
3. Hence, volume alone cannot justify the inertia possessed by a body.

Option (B): Density

1. The density itself cannot describe the amount of matter present in a body.
2. The product of volume and density gives us the amount of matter present in a body.
3. Hence, density alone cannot justify the inertia possessed by a body.

Option (D): Mass

1. Temperature is a measure of the amount of heat energy present in a body.
2. Therefore it cannot justify the inertia possessed by a body.

Hence, the correct answer is option (C).