How does Newton's second law of motion lead to the concept of inertial mass ?

Explanation

Suppose a force F acting on two masses `m_(1)` and `m_(2)` produces accelerations `a_(1)` and `a_(2)` respectively.
From Newton.s `2^(nd)` law, we get
`F= m_(1)a_(1)` and `F= m_(2)a_(2)` …..(i)
`implies (a_(1))/(a_(2))= (m_(2))/(m_(1))` ………(ii)
If `m_(2) lt m_(1)` then `a_(2) gt a_(1)` i.e. a given force produces a larger acceleration in a lighter mass than in a heavier mass. Here `m= F//a` is called the inertial mass of the body. From expression, we can conclude that inertial mass opposes the acceleration of the body.