Matter composed of atoms and molecules, as opposed to dark matter.Ordinary matter is the stuff of everyday experience: atoms, molecules, and the objects they form, from stars and planets to coffee cups and living cells. It is defined in contrast to dark matter, which does not emit or absorb light and is detected only through its gravitational effects. Ordinary matter makes up only about 5% of the universe's total energy density, yet it is the only form of matter we can directly touch, see, and interact with.
Ordinary matter is composed of protons, neutrons, and electrons. Protons and neutrons are themselves made of quarks, bound together by the strong nuclear force. Electrons, which are leptons, orbit the nucleus and govern chemical bonding. The electromagnetic force between charged particles holds atoms together and allows them to combine into molecules, giving rise to the rich complexity of chemistry and biology.
Every technological device, from smartphones to medical imaging machines, relies on the properties of ordinary matter, including its electrical conductivity, optical transparency, and mechanical strength.
Although ordinary matter is the only kind we can see, it accounts for less than 5% of the universe's total mass-energy; dark matter and dark energy make up the rest.
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