Define mass also differentiate between the gravitational mass and inertial mass
Mass is a fundamental property of matter, representing the amount of matter an object contains. It is a measure of the resistance of an object to changes in its motion (inertia) and is typically measured in kilograms (kg).
There are two types of mass: gravitational mass and inertial mass.
1. Gravitational Mass: Gravitational mass is a property that determines the strength of the gravitational interaction between objects. It is responsible for giving objects weight. According to Newton's law of universal gravitation, the gravitational force between two objects is directly proportional to the product of their gravitational masses and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between their centers. Gravitational mass is the mass that determines the strength of this gravitational attraction.
2. Inertial Mass: Inertial mass is a property that measures an object's resistance to changes in its state of motion. It quantifies how much force is required to accelerate or decelerate an object. According to Newton's second law of motion, the acceleration of an object is directly proportional to the net force applied to it and inversely proportional to its inertial mass. Inertial mass is the mass that appears in this relationship and accounts for an object's inertia.
In Newtonian physics, gravitational mass and inertial mass are observed to be equivalent, meaning that they have the same numerical value. This equivalence is known as the principle of equivalence and is one of the foundational principles of general relativity. Both types of mass have the same effect on an object's gravitational and inertial behaviors. Therefore, gravitational mass and inertial mass are often used interchangeably.
At least until Einstein gets into the subject.
Yes, that's correct. The principles of gravitational and inertial mass equivalence hold true in classical Newtonian physics. However, with the advent of Albert Einstein's theory of general relativity, our understanding of mass and its relation to gravity underwent a transformation.
Einstein's theory shows that mass is not only responsible for inertia and the force of gravity but also for bending and curving the fabric of spacetime itself. In general relativity, the concept of mass becomes intertwined with the geometry of spacetime. The presence of mass, energy, or any form of stress-energy tensor affects the curvature of spacetime, which in turn determines the motion of objects within it.
Einstein's theory provides a more comprehensive and accurate understanding of gravity than Newtonian physics, particularly in explaining phenomena at extremely large scales, strong gravitational fields, and high speeds. It goes beyond the classical understanding of mass and gravitational interactions.
In summary, while Newtonian physics treats gravitational and inertial mass as equivalent, Einstein's theory of general relativity revolutionized our understanding of mass, gravity, and the fundamental nature of the universe.