is variation in the characteristics of particles of matter responsible for the extinction of different state of matter
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Matter is defined as that which has mass and occupies space. This definition seems simple enough, yet there are profound issues which surround it. For example, there is currently no generally accepted scientific theory for why mass exists. It can be defined:
mass characterizes an object's resistance to a change in its motion.
But why it exists cannot yet be demonstrated. Mass just is, it just exists.
As we look into it more, definitions start to become circular, as in the definition of space:
space is that which is occupied by matter.
So, any definition of space exists only if there is matter. Take the matter away and space ceases to exist. Of course, saying "take the matter away" is very easy to say. It is quite another thing to specify what is meant by it.
As fun as these philosophical issues are, it's time to move on!!
II. Particles
All matter is particulate in nature. This basically means that between separate bits of matter there are spaces which contain no matter. In science it is called the "atomic nature of matter." It is generally agreed that the Greek philosopher Leucippus and his student Democritus were the first to propose this idea, about 440 B.C.. This "atomic theory" (to use a modern phrase) was opposed by Aristotle 100 years later, who taught that all space is filled with matter, that there are no empty spaces. Aristotle's ideas were accepted as correct by almost all educated people, until the early 1800's, when atomic ideas began to be more generally accepted as correct. There is a tutorial on this topic on this web site, titled The Greek Concept of Atomos: The Indivisible Atom
mass characterizes an object's resistance to a change in its motion.
But why it exists cannot yet be demonstrated. Mass just is, it just exists.
As we look into it more, definitions start to become circular, as in the definition of space:
space is that which is occupied by matter.
So, any definition of space exists only if there is matter. Take the matter away and space ceases to exist. Of course, saying "take the matter away" is very easy to say. It is quite another thing to specify what is meant by it.
As fun as these philosophical issues are, it's time to move on!!
II. Particles
All matter is particulate in nature. This basically means that between separate bits of matter there are spaces which contain no matter. In science it is called the "atomic nature of matter." It is generally agreed that the Greek philosopher Leucippus and his student Democritus were the first to propose this idea, about 440 B.C.. This "atomic theory" (to use a modern phrase) was opposed by Aristotle 100 years later, who taught that all space is filled with matter, that there are no empty spaces. Aristotle's ideas were accepted as correct by almost all educated people, until the early 1800's, when atomic ideas began to be more generally accepted as correct. There is a tutorial on this topic on this web site, titled The Greek Concept of Atomos: The Indivisible Atom
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