_____ is anything that has mass and takes up space.

The answer to the question is "matter." Matter is defined as anything that has mass and occupies physical space. It encompasses a vast range of substances, from the air around us to the solid objects we see and touch. Essentially, matter can exist in various states, including solid, liquid, gas, and plasma, and can undergo physical and chemical changes.

On a microscopic level, matter is made up of atoms and molecules, which are the building blocks of all physical substances. The characteristics of matter are described by its properties, such as density, volume, mass, and state of matter. Understanding matter is fundamental in fields like physics and chemistry, as it helps us to comprehend the nature of the universe and the interactions that govern it. Thus, matter represents the physical reality that surrounds us and forms the basis of scientific study in various disciplines.