Matter In Our Surroundings

Introduction and Physical Nature of Matter

There are different kinds of matter around us. What you drink and eat is matter. You, yourself are a matter. But what is the nature of matter? And what exactly is matter? Let’s find out more about matter and the nature of matter.

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Introduction to Matter

Matter is something that occupies space and has its own mass. It is something that can be felt by us. Some examples of matter are air, water, food, table, pen,  gold, sand, fruits, plants, trees, bottle, plastic, stones, oil, fan, chair etc. All these things occupy space and have their own masses. Both, living things and non-living things are matter. The entire universe is composed of matter.

However, few things like heat, sound, light, and electricity cannot come under the term matter, because they do not have mass, but they can be useful to do work. Heat can be used to iron clothes, cook food, water, etc. Electricity has multiple uses like making the fans revolve, useful in operating machines, etc. Our eardrums vibrate due to sound. Plant use light to create their food. Light is also useful during the night time to work or study.  All these things are forms of energy. Energy means the ability to do work.

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Nature of Matter

Tiny atoms form matter. The number of these tiny particles may be larger. Naked eyes can’t see these extremely tiny particles. Atoms can only be observed with the help of high- powered microscope. The following is the nature of matter :

  • Atoms that have protons, neutrons, electrons and a nucleus consist of matter.
  • It generally exists in four states i.e. liquid, solid, gaseous and plasma state.
  • The universe itself is a matter.
  • Not all forms of energy are matter. For example, heat, sound, electricity, etc.
  • What we see, hear, feel, touch or taste is matter.
  • It occupies space and has its own mass.
  • We can classify matter on the basis of physical properties and chemical properties. Liquids, gases and solids come under the physical properties. Crystalline and amorphous form are two forms of solids.
  • Chemical properties of matter are classified on the basis of mixtures and pure substances. The homogenous and heterogeneous mixture are the two classifications of mixtures. Whereas, pure substances classify further into elements and compounds. Organic substances and inorganic substances are two forms of compounds and metals and non – metals are two forms of elements.
  • Different kinds of matter have different kinds of atoms.
  • All matters have their own density and inertia.
  • The force of attraction between the particles of matter is the interparticle force or the intermolecular force.

Question For You

Q. Which of the following is a matter?

  1. Heat
  2. Sound
  3. Light
  4. Human Body

Sol: Human body occupies space, has its own mass. The human body is a complex matter which comprises of liquid, solid and gases. Hence, the human body is a matter. The rest of the options are not considered as matter.

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