Which of the following correctly describes mass?

Mass is defined as the total amount of matter in an object. It is a fundamental property that quantifies how much matter is present, irrespective of the object's location or the environment it is in. Unlike weight, which can vary based on gravitational force acting on the object, mass remains consistent no matter where the object is measured—in space, on Earth, or on another celestial body.

Understanding mass as the amount of matter helps clarify why it is central to concepts such as inertia and the law of conservation of mass, since a greater mass denotes a greater resistance to changes in motion. This foundational concept is crucial in mechanics, especially when analyzing forces and motion, as it separates the intrinsic properties of an object from the external influences such as gravity or other forces acting on it.