* It has mass: Water has weight and takes up space.
* It occupies space: Water has volume; it takes up a specific amount of space.
* It is composed of particles: Water is made up of tiny particles called molecules, which are composed of hydrogen and oxygen atoms.
* It exhibits inertia: Water resists changes in motion. For example, it takes force to start a bucket of water moving, and it takes force to stop it.
In short, water meets all the criteria for being considered matter. It is a physical substance that has mass and occupies space, making it a tangible component of the universe.