Matter and its Nature

Matter and its Nature

Entire universe is made up of only two types of entities – matter and energy. Matter occupies space and has mass. It can be seen, tested, smelt or felt, but energy can only be experienced, like light and heat.

Two types of change take place in matter:

(A) Physical Change : It is a temporary change and does not involve any change in the composition of matter. For example – conversion of water into ice, stretching a spring, evaporation of water etc. This change is reversible, it means that matter can be brought back to its original form on removing the factors governing the change.

(B) Chemical Change : It is a permanent change in which the composition and properties are changed. This change is irreversible (original substance can not be re obtained , even after removing
the factors governing the change.)

For example, burning i.e. Combustion, rusting of iron, respiration, cooking food, etc.

Matter is made up of different kinds of substances. A substance is a material of which all parts are chemically identical and of same composition.