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Foundations of Physics

Matter

Anything that possesses mass, occupies volume, and is composed of fundamental particles such as quarks and leptons.

Governing formula E = mc²
SI unit kg, m³

In depth

Matter exists in four fundamental states: solid, liquid, gas, and plasma (along with exotic states like Bose-Einstein condensates). Ordinary matter consists of atoms made of protons, neutrons, and electrons.

Examples in the real world

Ice (solid water), liquid mercury, interstellar gas clouds, and high-temperature fusion plasma.