Matter

Matter, in science, general term applied to anything that occupies space and has the attributes of gravity and inertia. In classical physics, matter and energy were considered two separate concepts that lay at the root of all physical phenomena. Modern physicists, however, have shown that it is possible to transform matter into energy and energy into matter and have thus broken down the classical distinction between the two concepts (see Mass; Relativity). When dealing with a large number of phenomena, however, such as motion, the behaviour of liquids and gases, and heat, scientists find it simpler and more convenient to continue treating matter and energy as separate entities. see Matter, States of.

Certain elementary particles combine to form atoms; in turn, atoms combine to form molecules. The properties of individual molecules and their distribution and arrangement give to matter in all its forms various qualities such as mass, hardness, viscosity, fluidity, colour, taste, electrical resistivity, and heat conductivity, among others. See Antimatter; Chemistry; Electricity; Heat.

In philosophy, matter has been generally regarded as the raw material of the physical world, although certain philosophers of the school of idealism, such as the Irish philosopher George Berkeley, denied that matter exists independently of the mind. See Greek Philosophy; Kant, Immanuel. Most modern philosophers accept the scientific definition of matter.