Which of the following best describes force in physics?

The concept of force in physics is fundamentally defined as an interaction that can change the motion of objects. This definition captures the essence of what force does: it can cause an object to accelerate, decelerate, change direction, or alter its shape. When a force is applied to an object, it either sets the object in motion or changes its existing state of motion, which is why forces are critical to understanding dynamics in physics.

The other options, while they relate to physics, do not accurately capture the definition of force. For example, describing force as a form of energy conflates two different concepts; energy and force are related but distinct. Similarly, calling force an inherent property of materials overlooks the fact that force is an external interaction applied to objects rather than an intrinsic quality of the materials themselves. Lastly, stating that force is a measurement of mass incorrectly characterizes force, as mass measures the amount of matter in an object, while force involves the interaction that results in a change in motion. Thus, option C is the most accurate description of force in the context of physics.