Classification of Matter

Matter is found all around you and throughout the universe. Anything that has a mass and a volume is considered matter. Energy is not matter, since it does not have mass or volume. It is important to remember that not all matter is the same. Some matter is very spread out, like gases, while other examples are very dense, like solids. Chemical characteristics vary widely as well. Some substances react with many other substances while others are mostly nonreactive. Some are extremely hazardous and require special precautions. Matter can be arranged based on its state, behavior, or composition. The periodic table is a very useful organizational tool and can help you to identify an element quickly as a metal, non-metal or metalloid, or even into more specific families, like the noble gases.