What Does Matter Mean in Relation to Mass?

AI Thread Summary
Mass is often defined as the quantity of matter, but this definition can be misleading since objects with the same number of particles can have different masses. The discussion highlights that mass is related to inertia, which is a property that resists changes in momentum. Momentum is defined as the product of mass and velocity, making mass a conserved quantity in physics. Additionally, while objects may contain the same number of atoms, the atomic structure and composition can lead to variations in mass. Understanding mass requires a deeper exploration beyond just counting particles.
Alan Tam
Messages
8
Reaction score
0
Many Physics books state that mass is the quantity of matter. What does the "matter" refer to? Objects contain the same number of particles could still have different masses. Could anyone help me? Thanks.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Alan Tam said:
Many Physics books state that mass is the quantity of matter. What does the "matter" refer to? Objects contain the same number of particles could still have different masses. Could anyone help me? Thanks.
Its a poor physics textbook which defines mass in that way.

Inertia is that property of a body which resists a change in momentum. Momentum is defined as the quantity mv where m is defined such that mv is a conserved quantity. m is called the "mass" of the body.

Pete
 
Alan Tam said:
Objects contain the same number of particles could still have different masses.
Same number of atoms, maybe, but atoms are made of smaller particles.
 
Thread 'Is there a white hole inside every black hole?'

Thread 'Is there a white hole inside every black hole?'

This is what I am thinking. How much feasible is it? There is a white hole inside every black hole The white hole spits mass/energy out continuously The mass/energy that is spit out of a white hole drops back into it eventually. This is because of extreme space time curvature around the white hole Ironically this extreme space time curvature of the space around a white hole is caused by the huge mass/energy packed in the white hole Because of continuously spitting mass/energy which keeps...
View full post »

Similar threads

I Distinctions among the concepts: mass, matter, energy
Replies
1
Views
2K
I Integrity of matter / space and time
Replies
13
Views
4K
B What is the physical significance of mass-time-length equivalences in physics?
Replies
8
Views
2K
B Are Mass and Matter Distinct Entities in Particle Physics?
Replies
15
Views
2K
I Is "nondimensionalization" a misnomer?
Replies
19
Views
2K
B The nature of anti-particles and anti-matter (a dilettante asks)
Replies
8
Views
1K
B Mean Free Path And Ball Bearings In A Box
Replies
3
Views
2K
Quantity of matter, mass concentration, molar concentration
Replies
1
Views
1K
Basic but important question on mass, matter, and atom
Replies
13
Views
2K
I Mass & Density: Unpacking Feynman's Idea
Replies
4
Views
3K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top