Which of the following best defines matter?

The definition of matter is aptly captured by the option stating that matter is any object that has weight and occupies space. This is because matter is fundamentally characterized by two key properties: it has mass (or weight) and it takes up physical space in the form of volume.

In scientific terms, matter includes all the physical substances that make up the universe, ranging from solids to liquids and gases. Everything you can see and touch in the physical world is a form of matter because it has these characteristics.

The other options, while they reference important concepts related to matter, do not encapsulate the definition as accurately. For instance, energy does not fit the criteria of matter, as energy itself does not have mass or occupy space; it represents the capacity to do work or cause change. Similarly, the ideas of changing form or being able to see or touch can apply to matter but do not define it fully, as there are forms of matter that are not visible or tangible at all times, such as gases or certain substances in microscopic forms. Thus, the most precise definition remains the one that emphasizes weight and space occupancy.