The document defines matter as anything that has mass and volume. It discusses the basic components that make up matter, including elements, atoms, molecules, compounds, and subatomic particles. Elements are the 118 known forms of matter, and atoms are the smallest unit of each element. Molecules contain two or more atoms bonded together, and compounds contain two or more different types of atoms. Subatomic particles make up atoms and determine their properties. Methods for determining mass and volume are also presented.