The correct option is (b).
Explanation
Inertia is the inherent property of a body by virtue of which it resists any change in its state of rest or of uniform motion. This property is intrinsically linked to the mass of the object, forming the basis of Newton's First Law of Motion.
- Statement 1 is Incorrect: Inertia is not uniform across all bodies. It is directly proportional to the mass of the object. Therefore, bodies with different masses possess different magnitudes of inertia.
- Statement 2 is Correct: Mass is the quantitative measure of inertia. An object with greater mass (a heavier object) has greater inertia, meaning it offers more resistance to changes in its state of motion compared to a lighter object. For example, a stone has more inertia than a football of the same size.
- Statement 3 is Incorrect: Volume refers to the space occupied by an object, while mass refers to the quantity of matter contained within it. Inertia is determined by mass, not volume. A small solid iron ball has much greater inertia than a large inflated balloon, despite the balloon having a larger volume.
Key Takeaway: Mass is the sole quantitative measure of inertia; the greater the mass of a body, the greater is its resistance to change in motion (inertia).