The Stuff Everything Is Made Of

Matter is anything that has mass and takes up space. Everything you see, touch, or even breathe is made of matter.

States of Matter

There are three main states:

• Solid: Particles are tightly packed (like ice).
• Liquid: Particles are close but can move (like water).
• Gas: Particles move freely (like oxygen in the air).

Physical and Chemical Changes

• Physical Change: Changes the shape or state, but not the chemical makeup (melting, freezing).
• Chemical Change: Forms new substances (rusting, baking a cake).

Everyday Uses

Understanding matter helps us make better materials, recycle, and use resources wisely.