Science, Tech, Math › Science Examples of Things That Are Not Matter Everything that has mass and takes up space is matter Share Flipboard Email Print ThoughtCo. Science Chemistry Basics Chemical Laws Molecules Periodic Table Projects & Experiments Scientific Method Biochemistry Physical Chemistry Medical Chemistry Chemistry In Everyday Life Famous Chemists Activities for Kids Abbreviations & Acronyms Biology Physics Geology Astronomy Weather & Climate by Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D. Dr. Helmenstine holds a Ph.D. in biomedical sciences and is a science writer, educator, and consultant. She has taught science courses at the high school, college, and graduate levels. Updated October 16, 2019 What are some examples of things that aren't matter? To answer the question, you need to understand what matter is. Everything that has mass and takes up space is matter. Every day, you encounter phenomena that either don't have mass or don't take up space. They are non-matter. Basically, any type of energy or any abstract concept is an example of something that isn't matter. Things That Aren't Matter Here are several things that don't meet the definition of matter: TimeSoundSunlightRainbowLoveThoughtsGravityMicrowavesHeatMemoriesInformationReflectionsEnergy Other examples include dreams, magnetism, radio, and hate. Learn More Examples of Matter: Now you know what matter is not. Here are examples of what it is.Why Light and Heat Aren't Matter: There's a reason forms of energy don't qualify as matter.Structure of Matter: Matter organizes in a predictable manner.State of Matter of Fire: What about fire? It has heat and energy. Is it matter?The States of Matter: Learn about liquids, solids, gases, and plasma. Continue Reading