_A_ mass is an unspecified quantity; _the_ mass is a specific quantity

Don1 · science forum Guru Joined: 28 Apr 2005 Posts: 1859

Is this a subtle difference or what? When speaking of quantities
matter:

_A_ mass is an unspecified quantity; _the_ mass is a specific quantity;
called inertia.

Newton defined mass as the quantity of matter in a body; as the product
of its bulk and density conjointly. To find the specific quantity of
matter in a body requires both its bulk and density.

A specific quantity of matter is called inertia, and is the ratio of
the force exerted on and/or by a body, divided by the acceleration
caused. To find the specific quantity of matter in a body requires both
its weight and the acceleration at which it will free fall: or the
force and acceleration caused.

Don

Clemens W · science forum Guru Wannabe Joined: 17 May 2005 Posts: 172

Don is still confused by his own non-sequiturs:

Google