What does mass measure in an object?

Mass measures the amount of matter in an object. This concept is fundamental in science because it reflects the quantity of material that makes up the object. Mass is typically measured in kilograms or grams and is independent of the object's location or the gravitational force acting on it.

While volume refers to the space an object occupies, weight is the force exerted on an object due to gravity, and density is the ratio of mass to volume. Therefore, mass specifically quantifies how much matter is present, rather than how much space it takes up or how heavy it feels under gravity. This distinction is crucial for understanding the physical properties and behaviors of different materials.