Substance

Type of matter with uniform properties.

A substance is a particular type of matter with uniform properties that distinguish it from other forms of matter.

Etymology

The word 'substance' comes from the Latin 'substantia', meaning 'essence, firmness'.

Explain Like I’m 5

A substance is like a block of wood or a glass of water - it's something made up of the same stuff all the way through and has its own special properties.

Fun Facts

Pure substances are either elements or compounds
Water is a substance, but it can change into ice or steam - these are still water, and therefore still the same substance
Different substances have different properties like color, density, and melting point

FAQ

What is a substance? A substance is matter with uniform properties
Can substances be elements or compounds? Yes, they can be either elements like gold or compounds like water
What determines a substance's properties? Its chemical composition and structure

Hypernyms — Broader Categories

matter

Hyponyms — Specific Examples

element compound mixture

Built by Tim Jones