Introduction to Matter

As we look at our surroundings, we see a large variety of things with different shapes, sizes and textures. Everything in this universe is made up of material which scientists have named "matter".

What is Matter?

The air we breathe, the food we eat, stones, clouds, stars, plants and animals, even a small drop of water or a particle of sand — everything is matter.

We can observe that all these things:

• Occupy space (have volume)
• Have mass

In other words, matter has both mass and volume.

Ancient Classification of Matter

Indian Philosophy - Panch Tatva

Early Indian philosophers classified matter in the form of five basic elements:

1. 🌬️ Air
2. 🌍 Earth
3. 🔥 Fire
4. 🌌 Sky
5. 💧 Water

According to them, everything — living or non-living — was made up of these five basic elements.

Greek Philosophy

Ancient Greek philosophers arrived at a similar classification of matter.

Modern Classification

Modern day scientists have evolved two types of classification of matter based on:

1. Physical properties (covered in this chapter)
2. Chemical nature (covered in subsequent chapters)

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📏 Important Units

Note: 1 L = 1 dm³ = 1000 mL, and 1 mL = 1 cm³