Short Answer

Matter is anything that has mass and occupies space. Everything around us, such as air, water, soil, rocks, plants, animals, and even our own body, is made of matter. Matter can exist in different forms, and we can touch, see, or feel many types of matter in our daily life.

Matter is made up of very tiny particles that cannot be seen with the naked eye. These particles are always moving and have spaces between them. Because of differences in how the particles are arranged and move, matter is found in three main states: solid, liquid, and gas.

Detailed Explanation :

Matter

Matter is the basic substance that makes up everything in the universe. Anything that has mass and occupies space is called matter. Mass means the amount of substance present in an object, and occupying space means the object takes up some area or volume. Even if something cannot be seen, like air, it is still matter because it has mass and takes space. Every object around us, from small particles to stars and planets, is made of matter. Matter may be visible or invisible, big or small, natural or man-made, but it always follows the two main conditions: it must have mass and it must occupy space.

Matter is made up of extremely tiny particles called atoms or molecules. These particles are so small that they cannot be seen with the naked eye. Scientists study matter at the microscopic level to understand how these particles behave. The arrangement, movement, and attraction between these particles are responsible for the different properties of matter. Because of this, matter exists mainly in three states: solids, liquids, and gases. In solids, particles are closely packed; in liquids, they are less tightly packed; and in gases, they are far apart with fast movement. These differences create various behaviors of matter in different conditions.

States of Matter

Matter commonly exists in three major states: solid, liquid, and gas. Each state is different due to the arrangement of particles.

Solids:
In solids, particles are tightly packed. They cannot move freely but can only vibrate in their fixed positions. This is why solids have a definite shape and definite volume. Examples include wood, ice, stone, and metal.

Liquids:
In liquids, particles are not as tightly packed as in solids. They have more space between them and can move around each other. Because of this, liquids have a definite volume but no definite shape. They take the shape of the container in which they are kept. Examples include water, oil, and milk.

Gases:
In gases, particles are far apart and move very fast in all directions. This is why gases have neither a definite shape nor a definite volume. They can expand to fill any available space. Examples include air, oxygen, and carbon dioxide.

Matter can change from one state to another when heat is added or removed. Heating increases the movement of particles, while cooling slows them down. For example, ice melts to become water when heated, and water can change into steam. Similarly, steam condenses into water when cooled. These changes show that matter is not fixed; it can transform depending on temperature.

Matter also shows various properties such as shape, color, smell, hardness, and density. These properties help us identify and classify different types of matter. Scientists study these properties to understand materials better and use them for various purposes in industries, laboratories, and daily life.

Conclusion

Matter is the fundamental substance that makes up everything around us. It has mass, occupies space, and is made of tiny particles. These particles determine the state and properties of matter. Understanding matter helps us understand the world, the materials we use, and the physical changes that happen around us.