The document discusses the classification of matter. It defines matter as any substance that has mass and takes up space. Matter exists in three physical states: solid, liquid, and gas. Pure substances can be elements, which are made of only one type of atom, or compounds, which are made of two or more elements chemically bonded together. Elements are further divided into metals and non-metals based on their physical and chemical properties. Some elements exhibit properties in between metals and non-metals and are called metalloids.