Introduction

• Matter is called ‘padarth’ in Hindi.
• An Indian philosopher, Maharishi Kanad, said that if we go on dividing matter (padarth), we will get smaller and smaller particles of matter.
• We will get the smallest particle of matter, which cannot be divided any further.

Classification of matter:

• All matter is made up of small particles called atoms and molecules. Different kinds of atoms and molecules have different properties due to which different kinds of matter also show different properties.
• The properties of matter depend on the properties of atoms and molecules from which it is made.
• Different elements combine to form different compounds. Combining of atoms and molecules is governed by certain laws known as Laws of Chemical Combination.