What is matter in science? or more specifically what is meant by matter in chemistry? before we start to answer this question, we must understand our surroundings. So, first I want you to observe your surroundings. What do you see? You must have seen things like a chair, bottle, book, tree, and so many things. My point is not to make you aware of your surroundings but to inspire you to ask the following question – How do all these things exist? or what makes up all these things? Way out of this problem will lead us to the answer to the question – What matter is?
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Know about the Fundamental States of Matter Here.
Table of Contents
What is Matter? – A Quick Overview
All the things that you just observed are made of various substances, such as metal, plastic, wood etc. But all these substances are again must be made of something more fundamental. Scientists have termed it “matter”.
Check List of States of Matter Here.
Definition of Matter
In your observation, you must have noticed that all these things have two things in common.
- They occupy space.
- They contain mass.
Matter is defined as a substance that occupies space and has mass.
When we say something occupies space means they have Volume. The SI unit of volume is {m}^{3} (cubic metre) and the common unit of Volume is litre ( {L} ). Takling about mass, the SI unit of mass is kilogram ( {Kg} ).
Note: For a better understanding of “SI units” read this article – New definition of Kilogram and other SI units
Difference Between Mass and Matter
Many times mass is confused with the matter but they are not the same. On one hand, matter is the “substance” that makes everything in this universe (matter is dubbed as the stuff of the universe), and on the other hand, mass is a “quantitative property” that is used to measure matter in its various forms.
Characteristics of Matter
There are two important characteristics of matter that can be extracted from its definition.
- Matter occupies space and hence it has volume.
- Matter has mass.
Note: You must be wondering as to what is the difference between the definition and characteristics of matter but let me tell you there is no standard definition of matter in physics. The term “matter” is used as a “specifying modifier”. (For reference – follow this link)
What is Matter Made of?
To understand what is matter composed of, we need to dig deeper. On a more fine-scale matter is matter is made of what we call “atoms” and “molecules”. On a deeper level, atoms and molecules are again made of some elementary particles which might be charged (positively or negatively) or neutral.
Note: For a better understanding of “elementary particles” read this article – Standard Model of Particle Physics – Explained
What is Not Matter?
If something does not comply with the two characteristics of matter (mass and volume) then they fall into the category of non-matter.
For example, human emotions are not considered as matter because they do not occupy “physical space” (of course they occupy mental space) and do not have mass.
Other examples of non-matter include – gravity, time, energy, information, thoughts etc.
Air is considered a matter because it is made of different gases which have both mass and volume.
Matter vs Antimatter
The matter has its counterpart named antimatter. Antimatter is different from matter with respect to the electric charge but not with respect to the mass. Constituting particles of antimatter have exactly the opposite sign of electric charge compared to the particles of ordinary matter.
Know About Chain melted State of Matter Here.
What is Matter? – Conclusion
Matter is the fundamental building block of everything in this universe. There exists matter in our surroundings. If someone asks you to point to a physical thing – what this thing is made of? and if you are not able to come up with the specific answer, then you can surely say – it is basically made of matter! I would also like to highlight that this write-up on “What is matter?” is based on “classical physics” and “general chemistry”. In the next few chapters, we will study other aspects of matter at length.
FAQs on Matter
Antimatter is different from matter with respect to the electric charge but not with respect to the mass.
Matter is something that takes up space and has mass, air follows this criterion and hence it is considered matter.
Solid, liquid, and gas (vapour) are the three fundamental phases of matter.
The constituents of matter are atoms which in turn are formed by protons, neutrons and electrons.
Volume, Boiling point, Odor, Melting point, Color, Density, Texture are considered some of the properties of matter.
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