What is matter in science
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Understanding Matter in Science
Definition and Composition of Matter
Matter as the Fundamental Substance
Matter is the fundamental substance that constitutes everything in the universe. It is composed of atoms, which are the smallest units retaining the properties of an element. Each atom consists of a nucleus made up of protons and neutrons, surrounded by a cloud of electrons. Protons and neutrons themselves are made of even smaller particles called quarks, which, along with electrons, are considered fundamental particles as they are not made from anything smaller1.
Variety and Complexity of Matter
Matter exists in a vast array of forms and complexities. There are ninety-two naturally occurring chemical elements, which can combine in countless ways to form billions of different molecules. This immense variety is what makes up the physical world around us1.
Matter in Physical Science
Physical Science and Matter
In physical science, matter is defined as anything that has mass and occupies space. This field of study is divided into natural science, which includes disciplines like astronomy, chemistry, and physics, and earth science, which covers geology and natural history. Understanding matter is crucial for the study of both applied sciences, such as engineering and computer science, and life sciences, including biology and ecology3.
Educational Perspectives on Matter
Teaching the Concept of Matter
Teaching the concept of matter, especially its particulate nature, is complex and challenging. Research has shown that students' understanding of matter progresses through various stages. Initially, students may have macroscopic views of matter, but with education, they begin to understand its microscopic structure, including atoms and molecules4 5 6.
Students' Progression in Understanding Matter
Studies have identified key ideas about matter that students need to grasp, such as its structure and composition, physical properties and changes, chemical reactions, and conservation. Research indicates that students' understanding of these concepts develops in a hierarchical manner, although not all students progress at the same pace6.
Matter and Energy
Interrelation of Matter and Energy
Modern physics has expanded the concept of matter to include energy. According to Einstein's theory, energy and mass are interchangeable, meaning that energy can be considered a form of matter. This perspective has led to a broader understanding of the physical world, where both matter and energy are seen as integral components7.
Active Matter
Active Matter in Biological and Synthetic Systems
Active matter refers to systems where components consume energy to perform activities such as movement, self-healing, and reproduction. This concept is particularly relevant in cell biology, where understanding the self-organizing behaviors of cellular structures can lead to the development of synthetic materials with life-like properties. The study of active matter bridges the gap between materials science and biology, offering insights into both fields9.
Conclusion
Matter is a fundamental concept in science, encompassing everything that has mass and occupies space. From its atomic structure to its role in physical science and education, understanding matter is essential for comprehending the physical world. Advances in physics have also integrated energy into the concept of matter, broadening our understanding of the universe. Additionally, the study of active matter highlights the dynamic and complex nature of living systems and their synthetic counterparts.
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1. What is matter?
All matter is made of atoms, with a variety of shapes, sizes, and compositions, resulting in immense variety and complexity.
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Physical science studies energy and nonliving matter, with sub-categories including natural science, chemistry, and physics, and is essential for understanding applied and life sciences.
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Students' understanding of matter has progressed from categorizing it into four categories to analyzing their progression in understanding matter over time, contributing to a K-12 learning progression of matter.
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Students progress in understanding four big ideas about matter (structure, composition, physical properties, chemical reaction, and conservation) through a hierarchical series of levels, with three of them developing in parallel.
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The term matter should now include both energy and mass, as modern physics is giving rise to dialectic materialism.
The particulate nature of matter in science education and in science
Children's misconceptions about the particulate nature of matter in science education may be explained by considering educational and scientific criteria for correctness, rather than just relying on scientific evidence.
Highly CitedActive matter at the interface between materials science and cell biology
Active matter research can revolutionize our understanding of cell biology and materials science, leading to the design of artificial materials with life-like properties.
Highly CitedMiddle school students' beliefs about matter
Middle school students know matter is composed of atoms and molecules, but their fragmented ideas about matter hinder their consistent explanation of material properties and processes.
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