Consider the following statements: 1. Matter is defined as anything that has mass but does not occupy space. 2. The smell of perfume is matter, but the feeling of love is not. 3. Air is not considered matter because it cannot be seen. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Correct Option The correct option is (b). Explanation Matter is scientifically defined as anything that possesses mass and occupies space (volume). All physical substances, regardless of their state (solid, liquid, or gas) or visibility, are classified as matter. Statement-wise Analysis: - Statement 1 is Incorrect: The fundamental definition of matter requires two simultaneous conditions: it must have mass and it must occupy space. The statement incorrectly asserts that matter does not occupy space. - Statement 2 is Correct: The "smell" of perfume is perceived due to the presence of volatile chemical particles diffusing through the air. Since these particles have mass and occupy space, they are matter. In contrast, "love" is an abstract emotion; it possesses neither mass nor volume and is therefore not matter. - Statement 3 is Incorrect: Air is a physical mixture of gases. Despite being generally invisible to the naked eye, air has mass and occupies space (demonstrated when inflating a balloon). Visibility is not a prerequisite for a substance to be classified as matter. Key Takeaway: To be classified as matter, an entity must have both mass and volume. Abstract concepts (emotions, thoughts) and forms of energy (light, sound) do not meet these criteria.

NCERT Class 9 Science — Chapter 1: Matter in our surroundings

mcqeasy

Consider the following statements:

Matter is defined as anything that has mass but does not occupy space.
The smell of perfume is matter, but the feeling of love is not.
Air is not considered matter because it cannot be seen.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1 only
B2 only
C1 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3

Did you get this right?

Solution

Correct Option

The correct option is (b).

Explanation

Matter is scientifically defined as anything that possesses mass and occupies space (volume). All physical substances, regardless of their state (solid, liquid, or gas) or visibility, are classified as matter.

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Incorrect: The fundamental definition of matter requires two simultaneous conditions: it must have mass and it must occupy space. The statement incorrectly asserts that matter does not occupy space.
Statement 2 is Correct: The "smell" of perfume is perceived due to the presence of volatile chemical particles diffusing through the air. Since these particles have mass and occupy space, they are matter. In contrast, "love" is an abstract emotion; it possesses neither mass nor volume and is therefore not matter.
Statement 3 is Incorrect: Air is a physical mixture of gases. Despite being generally invisible to the naked eye, air has mass and occupies space (demonstrated when inflating a balloon). Visibility is not a prerequisite for a substance to be classified as matter.

Key Takeaway:

To be classified as matter, an entity must have both mass and volume. Abstract concepts (emotions, thoughts) and forms of energy (light, sound) do not meet these criteria.

Your note

More from Chapter 1: Matter in our surroundings

What causes the formation of water droplets on the outer surface of a glass containing ice-cold water?

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With reference to the process of 'diffusion', consider the following statements: 1. Diffusion requires external mechanical force to intermix particles. 2. The rate of diffusion increases with an increase in temperature. 3. Solids and liquids can diffuse into liquids. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Consider the following statements regarding the forces of attraction between particles of matter: 1. The force of attraction is strongest in gases and weakest in solids. 2. This force keeps the particles together. 3. The strength of this force is identical for all kinds of matter. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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The spontaneous spreading of potassium permanganate colour in water without stirring primarily demonstrates which property of matter?

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Consider the following statements regarding the dissolution of salt in water: 1. The mass of the solution increases when salt is dissolved. 2. Salt particles remain on the surface of water particles without mixing. 3. This process proves that matter is particulate in nature. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Correct Option

The correct option is (b).

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Incorrect: The fundamental definition of matter requires two simultaneous conditions: it must have mass and it must occupy space. The statement incorrectly asserts that matter does not occupy space.
Statement 2 is Correct: The "smell" of perfume is perceived due to the presence of volatile chemical particles diffusing through the air. Since these particles have mass and occupy space, they are matter. In contrast, "love" is an abstract emotion; it possesses neither mass nor volume and is therefore not matter.
Statement 3 is Incorrect: Air is a physical mixture of gases. Despite being generally invisible to the naked eye, air has mass and occupies space (demonstrated when inflating a balloon). Visibility is not a prerequisite for a substance to be classified as matter.

Key Takeaway:

To be classified as matter, an entity must have both mass and volume. Abstract concepts (emotions, thoughts) and forms of energy (light, sound) do not meet these criteria.