Matter is everywhere around us. The air we breathe, the water we drink and the materials we use are made up of matter. Matter is defined as anything that occupies space and has mass. It is found in three major states: solid, liquid and gas. This chapter covers the particle nature of matter, the three states, diffusion, compressibility, pure substances and mixtures, methods of separating mixtures and food adulteration.
1. What Is Matter Made Of?
- Matter is made of atoms. Atoms are the smallest particle of matter.
- Atoms are so small that they cannot be seen with the eyes or even with a standard microscope.
- If a piece of thread is cut endlessly with a knife, at one point it becomes a small piece that cannot be cut further. That small particle may contain millions of molecules, and these molecules are made of atoms.
- A small amount of matter has many millions of molecules in it (1 million = 10 lakhs).
Ideas of Philosophers
| Philosopher | Name given to the smallest particle |
|---|---|
| Kanada (Indian philosopher) | Paramanu |
| Democritus (Greek philosopher) | Atomos |