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Related Concept Videos

Classifying Matter by State02:49

Classifying Matter by State

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Chemistry is the study of matter and the changes it undergoes. Matter is anything that has mass and occupies space. Matter is all around us; the air, water, soil, mountains, even our bodies are all examples of matter. Matter is divided into three states — solid, liquid, and gas — that are commonly found on earth. The fourth state of matter, plasma, occurs naturally in the interiors of stars. 
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Matter: Pure Substances and Mixtures
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The earliest recorded discussion of the basic structure of matter comes from ancient Greek philosophers. Leucippus and Democritus argued that all matter was composed of small, finite particles that they called atomos, meaning “indivisible.” Later, Aristotle and others came to the conclusion that matter consisted of various combinations of the four “elements” — fire, earth, air, and water — and could be infinitely divided. Interestingly, these philosophers...
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Solids, liquids, and gases are the three states of matter commonly found on Earth. A solid is rigid and possesses a definite shape. A liquid flows and takes the shape of its container, except it forms a flat or slightly curved upper surface when acted upon by gravity. Both liquid and solid samples have volumes nearly independent of pressure. A gas takes both the shape and volume of its container.
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The substance of the universe—from a grain of sand to a star—is called matter. Scientists define matter as anything that occupies space and has mass. An object’s mass and its weight are related concepts, but not quite the same. An object’s mass is the amount of matter contained in the object and is the same whether that object is on Earth or in the zero-gravity environment of outer space. An object’s weight, on the other hand, is its mass as affected by the pull of...
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jan 23, 2026

A Versatile Murine Model of Subcortical White Matter Stroke for the Study of Axonal Degeneration and White Matter Neurobiology
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Needham, Matter, Form, and Us.

Buyun Chen

    Technology and Culture
    |June 18, 2019
    PubMed
    Summary

    This essay examines Joseph Needham's theory of materialism, exploring how he integrated physical and social processes. It discusses challenges in theorizing material and social phenomena without ignoring history and politics.

    Area of Science:

    • History of Science
    • Sociology of Science
    • Philosophy of Materialism

    Background:

    • Joseph Needham's work uniquely synthesized physical world understanding with social processes.
    • His early writings developed a systematic theory of materialism concerning science and social change.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To explore Needham's concepts of matter and form.
    • To reframe Needham's project from "science" to "materialism."
    • To engage Needham's ideas with new materialist theories.

    Main Methods:

    • Analysis of Joseph Needham's early writings on science and social change.
    • Comparative study with new materialist perspectives.
    • Theoretical reflection on the interplay of material and social phenomena.

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    Main Results:

    • Needham's work offers a systematic theory of materialism where material, social, and ideal realms are interconnected.
    • The essay highlights the challenges in current materialist theories that may overlook historical and political contexts.

    Conclusions:

    • A nuanced framework for materialism is needed that incorporates culture, social relations, and historical contingency.
    • Re-evaluating Needham's materialism provides insights for contemporary theories of social and material interactions.