This document defines matter and discusses its three main states - solids, liquids, and gases. It also defines atoms and their components. Matter has mass and volume, while things like light and sound are not considered matter. Elements are made of only one type of atom, while compounds contain two or more elements chemically bonded together. The document also discusses mixtures like solutions, suspensions, and colloids versus pure substances like elements and compounds. It provides examples of separating mixtures and defines acids and bases.