Final answer:
Matter encompasses any substance that occupies space and has mass, with atoms and molecules as its core components. Mass remains constant regardless of location, unlike weight, which varies with gravity.
Step-by-step explanation:
Matter is defined as anything that takes up space and has mass. We commonly interact with matter in various forms such as solids, liquids, and gases, all of which have mass and occupy space. For instance, although not always visible to us, gases like air take up space, which is evident when a balloon inflates.
Additionally, the mass of objects is an inherent property that remains constant, irrespective of the object's location or gravitational forces acting upon it. This is different from weight, which can change depending on the gravitational pull of the environment—less on the Moon than on Earth, for example.
Atoms and molecules are the fundamental components of matter. All matter encountered in everyday life, including elements and compounds, is composed of atoms. The 92 naturally occurring elements form all the variety of matter we see by combining to create different compounds and molecules through various types of bonds such as ionic, covalent, and hydrogen bonds.