Matter: A Very Short Introduction

Matter is the stuff from which we and all the things in the world are made. It is made up of atoms, which are small enough that a million of them can fit across the breadth of a human hair. Inside every atom is a tiny nucleus and orbiting the nucleus is a cloud of electrons. The 92 different chemical elements that all normal matter is made from were forged billions of years ago in the Big Bang, inside stars, and in violent stellar explosions. On the largest scales, matter is sculpted by gravity into planets, stars, galaxies, and vast clusters of galaxies. The remaining 95% of matter comes in two mysterious forms: dark matter and dark energy.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 176 pages
Publication date: 28 March 2019
Publisher: Oxford University Press

Matter, the fundamental building block of the universe, encompasses the essence of all existence. From the desks we sit upon to the books we read and the very bodies we inhabit, everything around us is composed of atoms, the smallest units of matter. Within each atom lies a nucleus, surrounded by a cloud of electrons. The nucleus, composed of protons and neutrons, holds the key to understanding matter's composition. Zooming in further reveals the existence of even smaller particles, quarks, which are the indivisible fundamental units of nature. Alongside electrons, quarks form the smallest particles that have been observed to date. These remarkable particles have existed since the Big Bang, approximately 14 billion years ago, and are the building blocks of all matter.

The diverse range of chemical elements that constitute normal matter were forged billions of years ago within the fiery furnaces of stars and in explosive stellar events. This captivating journey, presented in this Very Short Introduction, takes us from the familiar realms of solids, liquids, and gases to the enigmatic realms of plasmas, exotic forms of quantum matter, and even antimatter. On the grandest scales, matter is shaped by gravity into magnificent planets, stars, galaxies, and vast clusters of galaxies. However, it is important to note that the matter we encounter on a daily basis constitutes only a mere 5% of the total matter in the universe. The remaining 95% remains shrouded in mystery, known as dark matter and dark energy.

Dark matter plays a crucial role in preventing galaxies from drifting apart, providing the gravitational glue that holds them together. Dark energy, on the other hand, is responsible for explaining the observed acceleration of the universe's expansion. In his exploration of the latest research into matter, Geoff Cottrell reveals the vast knowledge gaps that still exist regarding the composition of our universe. The Very Short Introductions series, published by Oxford University Press, offers a comprehensive collection of titles covering a wide range of subjects. This series provides concise and accessible introductions to complex concepts, making it an invaluable resource for students, scholars, and anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of the world around us.

Weight: 158g
Dimension: 113 x 174 x 11 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780198806547