Matter and Energy Matter is anything that has mass and occupies space.

Mass is a measure of the quantity of matter in a sample of any material. The more massive an object is, the more force is required to put it in motion. All bodies consist of matter. Our senses of sight and touch usually tell us that an object occupies space. In the case of colorless, odorless, tasteless gases (such as air), our senses may fail us. Energy is defined as the capacity to do work or to transfer heat. We are familiar with many forms of energy, including mechanical energy, light energy, electrical energy, and heat energy. Light energy from the sun is used by plants as they grow, electrical energy allows us to light a room by flicking a switch, and heat energy cooks our food and warms our homes. Energy can be classified into two principal types: kinetic energy and potential energy.