Matter

According to Maxwell, “all we know about matter relates to a series of phenomena in which energy is transferred from one portion of matter to another till in some part of the series our bodies are effected and we are conscious of sensation”.

We know some of the properties of matter but little of its nature. The following are some of the properties of matter.

Matter is indestructible and not creatable. This property needs some discussion. In practical terms this statement is true but, in the first instance, destruction must not be confused with transformation. Wood is composed largely of atoms of hydrogen, oxygen and carbon combined together to form a type of cellulose and other wood components. When burnt the atoms in the wood combine with oxygen atoms in the air to form carbon dioxide and water. The molecular structure is transformed but each carbon, oxygen and hydrogen atom remains unchanged although associated in a different way with other atoms. So the resulting changed matter is in no way destroyed. However, on more detailed examination there must have been a small change during combustion as a considerable amount of energy is evolved (heat).

Now Einstein has shown that  where (E) is the energy evolved (c) is the velocity of light in vacuo and (m) is the change in mass. However, in chemical reactions (as opposed to atomic reactions) (E) is so small compared with (c²) the mass involved is ignored and considered insignificant.

Inertia - matter in motion has energy. Force must be applied to matter to produce motion. As Newton states, every body keeps its state of rest or uniform motion in a straight line unless forces are impressed on it.

Mutual Attraction. All particles of matter attract one another.

Divisibility. Although ultimately limited matter can be split into portions so small as to be invisible. This concept will be discussed in more detail below.

Matter is Porous. Matter in one form can pass into space apparently occupied by matter in another. For example, water can pass through gold or lead, mercury can pass through most metals and gasses through hot iron. The volume of a mixture is often less than the sum of the volumes of its components.

Elasticity. The volume of matter can be diminished by applied forces and recover on the removal of the forces.

Matter is the Vehicle of energy. Energy cannot exist except in connection with matter.