matter
Definition
Matter is anything that has mass and takes up space. This includes everything around us, from the air we breathe to the food we eat to the clothes we wear.
Matter is made up of tiny particles called atoms. Atoms are the smallest units of matter that can exist. They are made up of even smaller particles called protons, neutrons, and electrons.
The properties of matter depend on the type of atoms that make it up and how the atoms are arranged. For example, water is a liquid because the molecules of water are arranged in a way that allows them to slide past each other easily.
Matter can change from one state to another. For example, water can change from a solid (ice) to a liquid (water) to a gas (steam) depending on the temperature.
Matter can also be converted into energy. For example, when you burn wood, the wood is converted into energy in the form of heat and light.
How can the word be used?
The matter of the argument is not important.
Different forms of the word
Noun:
- That which occupies space and has mass.
- A subject of discussion or concern.
- Something that is important or significant.
Verb:
- To be of importance or significance.
- To have weight or substance.
- To be a subject of discussion or concern.
Adjective:
- Important or significant.
- Having weight or substance.
- Relating to or consisting of matter.
Etymology
The word "matter" comes from the Old English word "mætter", which means "that which occupies space".
The word "matter" was first used in English in the 10th century. It was originally used to describe anything that occupied space and had mass, but it soon came to be used in a more general sense to describe anything that was important or significant.
Question
What is matter?
AQA Science Exam Question and Answer
Question:
Define matter and explain its different states. Provide examples of each state and describe how changes in temperature and pressure can affect the state of matter.
Answer:
Matter refers to anything that has mass and occupies space. It is composed of tiny particles called atoms and molecules. Matter can exist in three primary states: solid, liquid, and gas.
Solids have tightly packed particles with definite shapes and volumes. Examples include ice, wood, and metals. When heat energy is added, the particles vibrate more, causing the solid to melt into a liquid.
Liquids have particles that are close together but can move past each other. They have definite volumes but take the shape of their container. Water, milk, and oil are examples. Further heating turns liquids into gases.
Gases have widely spaced particles that move freely. They expand to fill any container and have no definite shape or volume. Air, oxygen, and carbon dioxide are common gases. Cooling gases cause them to condense into liquids, and further cooling leads to solidification.
Temperature and pressure greatly influence the state of matter. The increasing temperature often changes solids to liquids and liquids to gases. Raising pressure can cause gases to become liquids or solids. Understanding these states and their changes is vital in fields like chemistry, physics, and engineering, as it governs the behaviour of substances in various conditions and applications.