Until we get a better answer, we have:
Atomic theory - discrete atoms composed of electrons/protons/neutrons and other particles (separate bits).
Quantum/quark - discrete quarks.
String theory - discrete strings.
Original reply...This is a theoretical physics question, but my understanding is that the theory accepted now is that matter is composed of tiny strings of sub-particle size. So the separate bits theory is the right one. But I don't think anyone really knows, which is why bigger and bigger machines are built to try to find out. See the link below to String Theory.
The above deals with the sub-particle area of matter, we can also consider how particles are arranged, these are clearly separate bits. Matter is essentially what makes up everything in nown existence. Matter is (at the basic level) made up of all the elements on the periodic table of elements.
The periodic table is arranged into columns from 1 upto 8. group 8 elements are not very reactive and do not usually react very much, however all other elements will mix together. when this happens (infact even when you have a pure element on its own) a structure known as a lattice forms.
When i say lattice, think of a hollow cube made out of straws. now imagine that at each corner of that cube there is a blob of plasticine. The straws represent the chemical bonds, which hold the particles (atoms) together and the atoms are represented by the blobs of plasticine.
(Depending upon the elements in the bond) some bonds will be very hard and wont be able to be bent (for example glass can not be bent for this reason) where as substances such as aluminum are more bendable because of the bond types.
I am not sure how indepth i should go with this (i don't want to preempt teaching) however if you are interested, Google the following
Aristotle believed that matter is continuous and composed of the four elements (earth, water, air, fire), with no smallest particles. Democritus proposed that matter is made up of indivisible particles called atoms, which vary in size and shape. Their views were contradictory, with Aristotle advocating for continuous matter and Democritus proposing the existence of discrete particles.
Democritus - Greek philosopher who believed in the 'marble' atomic model.John Dalton - Came up with the first atomic theory, in which he also believed atoms were indivisible.
Yogurt is a colloidal dispersion of proteins, fats, and water in a continuous liquid phase. It is classified as a colloid, which is a type of mixture where small particles are evenly dispersed throughout a continuous medium.
Matter can be separated through physical or chemical means. Physical methods include filtration, distillation, and chromatography, which separate substances based on their physical properties. Chemical methods involve chemical reactions to convert substances into different forms, allowing for isolation of specific components.
Physical properties like density can be used to separate the parts of a salad. For example, using a centrifuge can separate liquid dressing from the solid ingredients based on their different densities. Another method could involve sieving to separate larger pieces of vegetables from smaller ones based on their size.
Democritus proposed that matter is made up of tiny indivisible particles called atoms, which he believed to be separate and distinct from each other. Aristotle, on the other hand, argued that matter is continuous and infinitely divisible, without any fundamental smallest building blocks like atoms.
zero bits
To separate out the interesting bits.
No it is not.
is continuous because of individuals forms and qualities
yes, matter continues or particulate
Matter appears continuous at macroscopic scales due to the large number of atoms and molecules packed closely together, creating the illusion of a continuous substance. At the microscopic level, matter is composed of discrete particles, such as atoms and molecules, but their sheer number and proximity give the appearance of continuity.
Aristotle =]]
Aristotle
Continuous matter refers to the concept in physics and philosophy that matter can be divided infinitely without losing its properties, suggesting that it exists in a continuous form rather than as discrete particles. This idea contrasts with the atomic theory, which posits that matter is composed of indivisible units called atoms. Continuous matter is often associated with classical models of physics, where substances are treated as uniform and homogenous. In modern science, the wave-particle duality of quantum mechanics has challenged this classical view, suggesting a more complex relationship between matter and energy.
Small bits of matter joined together form molecules or compounds. These join through chemical bonds to create new substances with unique properties.
I think 32 bits but it really doesn't matter because I heard the ps3 has a 32 bit operating system and the wii has a 32/64 bit so bits have no meaning anymore