What is matter defined as?

Matter is defined as anything that has mass and takes up space. This definition encompasses all physical substances, whether they are solid, liquid, or gas. Mass refers to the amount of matter in an object, and taking up space means that matter occupies a three-dimensional volume in the universe.

This definition is fundamental in chemistry and physics because it allows for the classification and study of different materials and their interactions based on their properties. For example, both water and iron are forms of matter even though they exist in different states, demonstrating that matter is not limited to just solids or liquids.

While things that can be seen and touched may be matter, this definition is too restrictive as it excludes gases, which are also considered matter despite being less tangible. Conversely, the idea that matter is composed solely of liquids is misleading because it ignores solids and gases. Lastly, while matter can indeed change states, this characteristic does not adequately define what matter is, as some forms of matter (like certain solid structures) may not easily change states under normal conditions.