"The balls are inert." Does that mean they don't work?

Question

Hey, I just realized- I'm going to be needing the Dragon Radar. Piccolo says he thinks it's in his other pants pocket. But he also thinks it doesn't make a bit of difference, guys. He said "Dende's gone, remember? The balls are inert." Does that mean they don't work?

Answer 1

yes.

    inert

1: lacking the power to move2: very slow to move or act : sluggish3: deficient in active properties; especially : lacking a usual or anticipated chemical or biological action

Answer 2

yes