What is Matter? Definition, Meaning & Example
Anything that has mass and occupies space.
TL;DR: Anything that has mass and occupies space.
Written & reviewed by the Syllab.in Academic Team (CBSE/NCERT subject experts) · Updated
Matter: Anything that has mass and occupies space.
Explanation
Matter exists in three main states: solid, liquid, and gas. Solids have a fixed shape and volume, liquids have fixed volume but take the shape of their container, and gases have neither fixed shape nor volume. Matter is made of particles called atoms and molecules that are in constant motion. The state of matter depends on temperature and pressure. Water is a common example that can exist as solid ice, liquid water, and gaseous steam. Matter can change from one state to another, like melting when heated or freezing when cooled. Understanding matter is fundamental to chemistry and physics.
Example
Ice is a solid that melts into liquid water when heated, which then evaporates into water vapor gas when heated further. All three states are the same substance, just in different forms.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between mass and weight?
Mass is the amount of matter in an object and does not change. Weight is the force of gravity on that mass and can change with location.
Are there more than three states of matter?
Yes, plasma is a fourth state where atoms lose electrons, but the three main states (solid, liquid, gas) are taught in schools.
More Science Terms
🤖 Stuck on any of these? Ask Syllab's free AI Tutor to explain step by step →