Chemistry: Elements, Compounds, and Mixtures

This flashcard set covers the fundamental definitions and properties of elements, compounds, and mixtures, as well as the characteristics of solutions, suspensions, and the factors affecting solubility and the rate of dissolving.

Element

A pure substance that cannot be split into two or more simpler substances by any chemical process.

Periodic Table

A table where groups of elements with similar chemical properties are arranged systematically.

Periods

The horizontal rows in the Periodic Table.

Groups

The vertical columns in the Periodic Table; elements within the same group have similar physical and chemical properties.

Ductility

The property of a material (typically a metal) that allows it to be drawn into wires.

Malleability

The property of a material (typically a metal) that allows it to be hammered or rolled into thin sheets.

Compound

A substance which contains two or more elements chemically joined together.

Mixture

A combination of two or more substances that are not chemically joined together.

Solution

A homogeneous mixture that contains one or more solutes dissolved in a solvent.

Suspension

A heterogeneous mixture containing small solid or liquid particles suspended in a liquid or a gas.

Solute

The substance which dissolves in a liquid.

Solvent

The liquid which dissolves other substances.

Homogeneous

Refers to a mixture where the chemical and physical properties are the same in every part of the mixture.

Heterogeneous

Refers to a mixture where the chemical and physical properties are not the same in every part of the mixture.

Universal Solvent

A term for water, because a large variety of substances can dissolve in it.

Fractional distillation

A physical means used to separate the components of a mixture like air.

Electrolysis

A chemical means used to separate the components of a compound like water.

Dilute solution

A solution where a small amount of solute is dissolved in its solvent.

Concentrated solution

A solution where a large amount of solute is dissolved in its solvent.

Saturated solution

A solution that contains the maximum amount of dissolved solute at a given temperature.

Aqueous solution

A solution in which water is used as the solvent.

Solubility

The maximum amount of solute which can dissolve in a given amount of solvent at a fixed temperature.

Rate of dissolving

The time taken for a solute to completely dissolve in a solvent.

Melamine

A substance used beneficially in making plastic containers, but which is harmful when found in milk powder as a contaminant.