Anything that has mass and occupies space is called matter. A matter is made up of tiny particles. These particles are invisible to a naked eye. The following are the characteristics of matter:
- Particles have space between them
- Particles are continuously moving
- Particles attract each other
Based on the intermolecular forces of attraction and spacings between the particles matter is broadly classified into three categories:
- Solids: These are tightly packed because of strong intermolecular forces. Example: Book
- Liquids: The molecules in a liquid are closely packed due to weak intermolecular forces. Example: Water
- Gases: The intermolecular forces Present between them are negligible. Example: Oxygen
