Mass is the amount of __________ the object contains.

Mass is fundamentally defined as the amount of matter that an object contains. This concept is integral to understanding physical properties and behaviors of objects in physics and engineering. Matter refers to anything that has mass and occupies space, and it is composed of particles such as atoms and molecules. Understanding mass is crucial, as it helps in calculating other important properties, such as weight and density.

Additionally, mass is a constant property that does not change regardless of the object's location, unlike weight, which is dependent on the gravitational pull acting on the mass. Gravity itself influences weight but is not a measure of the substance contained in the object. Therefore, recognizing mass as the measure of matter is key to grasping the fundamental principles of physical science and maintenance awareness.