M

Matter

What is Matter?

Matter is anything that has mass and occupies space (has volume). In chemistry, matter exists in four main states: solid, liquid, gas, and plasma. Matter is composed of atoms and molecules and is classified as pure substances (elements and compounds) or mixtures (homogeneous or heterogeneous). The conservation of mass states that matter cannot be created or destroyed in a chemical reaction.

Key Facts

Term Matter

Frequently Asked Questions

Matter is anything that has mass and occupies space (has volume). In chemistry, matter exists in four main states: solid, liquid, gas, and plasma. Matter is composed of atoms and molecules and is classified as pure substances (elements and compounds) or mixtures (homogeneous or heterogeneous). The conservation of mass states that matter cannot be created or destroyed in a chemical reaction.

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