Five elements of the universe

The five elements are also known as great five elements of the universe.

From the visible universe we observe many characteristcs ranging from gross to subtle and very subtle. Ancient sages or spiritual scientist considered Gross attributes are like Form, odour, hardness, expansion, firmness or stability and so on.

Form

It is considered to be the solid state. Examples are Ice cubes, mountains and certain crystalline planets and so on. The above characteristics are taken as a set and Ancient scriptures named this set as earth element which literally means Earth. The names of elements like earth or prithvi are given as easily understandable names to majority of people. The name strikes an overall picture of all attributes of the element.

According to ancient philosophy

Depending on subtleness they divided attributes in creation into 5 sets. These are Prithvi, Jala, Agni, Vayu and Akasa which literally means Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Sky. These are also named as five elements of creation as Panchbhutas.

Out of five, Air and Fire Elements are considered for understanding the dynamics of creation at a very rudimentary level.

The characteristics of Air are 1. The power of sound 2. The power of rapidity 3. The power of shaking 4. The power of friction 5. The power of cutting 6. The power of pervasion and so on.
Air gives movement and dynamism. Rapidity of movement is further classified in the order of intensity like Movement and speed.

Depending on specific characteristics of air, it is further classified into many types.