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The earliest people to consider this were the Greek philosophers. They observed that a rock could be broken again and again, eventually becoming dust. But since everything is finite according to logic, they hypothesised that we would reach some point where the object at that size could not be broken further; their word for this point was atomos, meaning 'uncuttable', something that cannot be divided further. During the 17th and 18th centuries, various scientists proved that some materials could not be broken further by chemical means. However in the early 20th century the atom was split into itss component subatomic particles, showing that is not truly indivisble. Further tests and experiments demonstrated that everything has a definite molecular shape; these are confirmed by scanning electron microscopes able to show us the details at this scale.

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Scientists classify everything in the universe as either A light energy or heat energy B potential or kinetic C atoms or molecules D matter or energy?

D. matter or energy. Scientists classify everything in the universe as either matter (atoms, molecules) or energy (light, heat).


How do scientists define matter?

Scientists define matter as anything that has mass and occupies space. Matter is composed of tiny particles called atoms and molecules, which interact to form various substances in the universe. It includes everything we can touch, see, and measure.


Why are models of atoms and molecules useful in understanding the behavior of matter?

Models of atoms and molecules are useful in understanding the behavior of matter because they help us visualize and predict how atoms and molecules interact with each other. These models provide a simplified representation of complex structures, allowing scientists to study and explain various properties and behaviors of matter at a molecular level.


How do modern scientists describe the make up of matter?

Modern scientists describe the makeup of matter as being composed of fundamental particles such as protons, neutrons, and electrons. These particles combine to form atoms, which further combine to create molecules and compounds. The properties and behavior of matter are studied at different scales, from the subatomic level to the macroscopic level.


How did Aristotle idea of matter differ from that of scientists?

Aristotle believed that matter was continuous and lacked empty spaces, while scientists today understand matter to be composed of atoms and molecules with spaces between them. Additionally, Aristotle viewed matter as having inherent qualities and tendencies, whereas modern science explains matter in terms of interactions between fundamental particles governed by physical laws.


What do scientists use to describe matter?

Matter is everything that makes up physical reality. It possesses mass, occupies specific locations in space, is affected by gravitation, and exists in four fundamental states as a solid, liquid, gas, or plasma. Its main components are atoms which are further divided into subatomic particles such as protons, neutrons, and electrons. Stars, planets, galaxies, as well as all living organisms, including ourselves, are made of matter.


How did Aristotle's idea of matter differ from that of scientists?

Aristotle believed matter was continuous and unchanging, while scientists view matter as composed of discrete particles and subject to change. Aristotle's concept of matter lacked the atomic nature described by scientists later on.


How atoms and molecules are different?

Atoms are the basic building blocks of matter and are the smallest units of an element that retains its chemical properties. Molecules are formed when two or more atoms chemically bond together. So, while atoms are individual particles, molecules are composed of multiple atoms bonded together.


How does scientists define matter?

Scientists define matter as anything that has mass and takes up space. Matter is composed of atoms, which are the basic building blocks of all substances. It exists in various states, such as solid, liquid, and gas.


The state of matter in which there is some movement of molecules?

In all forms of matter the molecules have some movement, but to varying degrees.


Are molecules matter?

Yes, atoms have mass, so they have matter.


What state of matter usually consists of molecules rather than atoms?

All classic states of matter can be formed from molecules.