The question of whether matter is eternal or ephemeral has been a topic of philosophical and scientific inquiry for centuries. From a scientific perspective, matter is not considered eternal in the sense that it has always existed and will continue to exist unchanged. Instead, matter undergoes various transformations and changes over time.
According to the prevailing scientific understanding, the universe as we know it originated from the Big Bang, a singularity from which all matter and energy emerged approximately 13.8 billion years ago. Since then, matter has been subject to numerous physical processes, including the formation of stars, galaxies, and planetary systems. Matter can be transformed from one form to another through chemical reactions, nuclear processes, and other interactions.
The conservation of matter is a fundamental principle in physics, which states that matter cannot be created or destroyed. However, matter can be converted into different forms or rearranged through processes such as chemical reactions, nuclear reactions, and phase changes (solid to liquid to gas, for example). So while matter may change its composition and form, the total amount of matter in the universe remains constant.
It's important to note that our understanding of the nature of matter is based on current scientific knowledge, which is subject to revision and refinement as new evidence and theories emerge. The quest to understand the fundamental nature of matter and its existence is an ongoing endeavor in physics and cosmology.