Analysis of matter in Abhidharma-pitaka

Rupa is said to arise, persist and perish, in a cyclical manner

according to the analysis of matter in the Abhidharma-pitaka

(chapter VI). The four basic qualities, namely pathavi, apo,

tejo and vayo co-exist to give characteristics to all matter but
specialise is earth, water, fire and wind, respectively. Below
there are a few interactive (CLICKABLE) animations to
understand these better.

Vayo is the element of motion, which is also responsible for
force as well as inertia on a body. Pathavi is the substratum to
all, and so provides matter with spatial extension.

Apo is the element of cohesion. Unlike pathavi its is intangible.
Due to this element thee idea of 'body' arises.

Tejo is the element of heat. Cold is also a form of tejo. It is
this element that causes matter to mature. It is the agent of
growth.

Read a parallel theory of science along the same lines on the
four fundamental forces.

REFERENCE
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Buddhist Cosmology -NK Singh 2004
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http://www.wisdomlib.org/buddhism/book/a-manual-of-abhidhamma/d/doc690.html
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A Manual of Abhidhamma -Narada Maha Thera 1987