Identify the 3 things that can be classified as Matter and 3 things that cannot. Explain your reasoning for each classification.
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To identify three things that can be classified as matter and three things that cannot, we need to understand the concept of matter. Matter is anything that occupies space and has mass. It can exist in three states: solid, liquid, or gas. On the other hand, things that cannot be classified as matter are typically abstract concepts, energy, or other intangible entities. Let's examine some examples for each category:
Three things that can be classified as matter:
1. A basketball: This object satisfies the definition of matter as it occupies space and has mass. It is a solid object made of materials such as rubber, leather, and air.
2. Water: Water exists in the liquid state and has both mass and volume, making it a clear example of matter. It is composed of molecules of hydrogen and oxygen.
3. Oxygen gas: Oxygen is an essential gas that is present in our atmosphere. It is a colorless, odorless gas that occupies space and has mass, thereby fitting the definition of matter.
Three things that cannot be classified as matter:
1. Love: Love is an abstract concept and an emotion, which makes it intangible and not classified as matter. It does not occupy space or have mass.
2. Thoughts: Thoughts are mental processes that happen within our minds but do not have a physical presence. They are considered abstract and cannot be classified as matter.
3. Light: Light is a form of electromagnetic radiation that consists of photons. Although it interacts with matter, light itself is not matter. It does not have mass or occupy space, which excludes it from the classification of matter.
In summary, to determine whether something can be classified as matter or not, we need to assess whether it has mass, occupies space, and exists in one of the three states of matter (solid, liquid, or gas). Abstract concepts, energy, and intangible entities generally do not fulfill these criteria and cannot be classified as matter.