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In a solid, the atoms are packed closely together in an ordered pattern and cannot move, giving a solid a definite volume and shape.

How atoms are arranged in an object determines whether it is a solid, liquid, gas, or plasma. (Click here to learn more about bonding.) Mass is how much matter is in an object whereas volume is how much space the object takes up. Bonding occurs among atoms to make larger molecules. Matter is anything that has mass and volume and is made up of atoms, which are the smallest particles of matter. This is similar to what really happens with elements and all molecules at an atomic level. While we do know now that these previous theories are false, in a way the four elements do align with the four states of matter that modern science has agreed on: solid (earth), liquid (water), gas (air), and plasma (fire).Īlthough the Greeks believed that the four elements were unchanging in nature, everything was made up of different elements, which were held together or pushed apart by forces of attraction and repulsion, causing substances to appear to change. These theories stated that the temperaments and humors needed to be in balance with each other in order for a person to be well both mentally and physically. The four elements were even used to described the four temperaments a person could have, and Hippocrates used the four elements to describe the four “humors” found in the body. Every visible thing was made up of some combination of earth, water, air, and fire. The elements were “pure” but could not be found in that state on earth. The idea that these four elements – earth, water, air, and fire – made up all matter was the cornerstone of philosophy, science, and medicine for two thousand years ( kids love to ask questions on the elements). He would be surprised to learn that they are in fact made up of many elements found on earth, and are so hot they could be said to be on fire all the time!) (Aristotle also suggested that there was a fifth element, aether, because it seemed strange that the stars would be made out of earthly elements. This theory was suggested around 450 BC, and it was later supported and added to by Aristotle. The ancient Greeks believed that there were four elements that everything was made up of: earth, water, air, and fire.

What are the FOUR Elements? Science Lesson: Earth, Water, Air, and Fire