What is defined as a substance that has mass and occupies space?

The term that is defined as a substance that has mass and occupies space is matter. Matter includes everything that has physical substance, whether it is solid, liquid, or gas. It is the fundamental concept in physics and chemistry, representing all physical objects and substances that you can touch or observe.

Elements and compounds are specific types of matter. An element is a pure substance that cannot be broken down into simpler substances and consists of one type of atom, while a compound is a substance formed when two or more elements are chemically bonded together. A mixture, on the other hand, is a combination of two or more substances that retain their individual properties and can be physically separated.

In contrast to these specific categories, the term matter encompasses all of them and highlights the universality of substances in the physical world. This broad definition is essential in science, as it serves as the foundation for understanding the composition and behavior of all physical substances.