Question

(a) Define matter. Give four examples of matter.
(b) What are the characteristics of matter?

Answer 1

Hint: Matter is a broad term. Nearly all things which we come across in daily life are composed of matter. Based on the discovery of electrons, protons and neutrons, hydrogen and helium are found to exist which are primary gases and are also considered as matter.

Complete step by step answer:
A matter is referred to as a substance which has a certain mass and takes up a certain volume in space. For example pen, pencil, toothbrush, water, milk are matters as well as car, bus, bicycle is also a matter.
So matter is considered as a living thing and a non-living thing. Matter is composed of atomic and subatomic things (electron, proton and neutron). Matter does not include mass less objects like light, photons and sound.
Matter exists in different phases. The most common are solid, liquid and gaseous phases. We come across different phases of matter every day. Solid ice, water and steam are few examples of matter touched in everyday life.
Subatomic particles are also considered as matter. Specifically they are labeled as quantum states of matter. Their sizes and positions are not defined at particular times.
Pen, paper, milk, air are the examples of matter.
The characteristics of matter are as follows:
i) Matter is composed of particles.
ii) The particles of matter have void space in between them.
iii) The particle of matter is very small in size and occupies mass.
iv) The particles are in a state of random motion and possess kinetic energy.
v) The particles of matter attract each other forces of attraction.
Thus option D is the correct answer, i.e. matter is composed of all the above.
As matter is composed of living and non-living objects so option A is incorrect. Water is a part of matter, so it is not the correct option.

Note:
Everything in this universe is made up of material which is called matter. Matter is referred to as any substance which is seen by our eyes or felt by our senses. Matter is everything having definite shape or size and occupies volume.