How do objects with small inertial mass respond to applied forces?

Objects with small inertial mass respond to applied forces by changing their motion more readily. This is a direct consequence of Newton's second law of motion, which states that the acceleration of an object is directly proportional to the net force acting upon it and inversely proportional to its mass. Therefore, when a force is applied to an object, those with smaller mass will experience a greater acceleration for the same amount of force compared to heavier objects.

This means that lighter objects can be accelerated or decelerated more easily, leading to more noticeable changes in their motion when a force is applied. In practical terms, if you push a small ball and a heavy boulder with the same force, the ball will move significantly more than the boulder due to its smaller mass. Thus, objects with small inertial mass are more responsive to applied forces, showcasing how mass influences motion.