What Isn’t Matter- Distinguishing the Non-Physical from the Substantial

Which of the following is not an example of matter? This question often puzzles many people, especially those who are new to the field of science. Matter is defined as anything that has mass and occupies space. It is the fundamental building block of the universe, and everything around us is made up of matter. However, not everything we encounter in our daily lives falls under this category. In this article, we will explore some common items and determine which one is not an example of matter.

Firstly, let’s consider water. Water is a substance that is composed of hydrogen and oxygen atoms. It has mass and occupies space, making it a clear example of matter. Next, we have wood. Wood is made up of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin, which are all organic compounds. Like water, wood has mass and occupies space, so it is also a matter.

Moving on to air, it might seem like a tricky example. Air is a mixture of gases, mainly nitrogen, oxygen, and small amounts of other gases. While air itself is a mixture of matter, the individual gases that make up air are also considered matter. Therefore, air can be classified as matter.

Now, let’s examine a common household item: a glass. Glass is made of silicon dioxide, sodium oxide, and calcium oxide, which are all inorganic compounds. Like water and wood, glass has mass and occupies space, making it an example of matter.

Finally, we come to the item that is not an example of matter: light. Light is a form of energy that travels in waves. Unlike matter, light does not have mass and does not occupy space. It is simply a phenomenon that can be observed and measured. Therefore, light is not an example of matter.

In conclusion, while water, wood, air, and glass are all examples of matter due to their mass and ability to occupy space, light is not. This highlights the importance of understanding the definitions and properties of matter in our daily lives and scientific endeavors.