Matter and Substances (Page 1) - Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms related to matter, elements, compounds, mixtures, and atomic concepts from Page 1 notes.

Matter

Anything that has mass and takes up space; matter exists as elements, compounds, or mixtures.

Element

A substance that cannot be separated into simpler substances by chemical means; elements are represented on the periodic table by symbols (e.g., H, He, etc.).

Symbol

A one- or two-letter abbreviation used to represent an element on the periodic table (e.g., H for hydrogen, He for helium).

Compound

A substance composed of two or more different elements chemically bonded together; example: water (H2O).

Mixture

A combination of two or more substances that are not chemically bonded and can be separated by physical means (e.g., sugar in water).

Homogeneous

A mixture whose components are evenly distributed and uniform throughout (e.g., salt water).

Heterogeneous

A mixture whose components are not evenly distributed and vary in composition (e.g., fruit salad).

Atom

The smallest unit of an element that maintains the element’s chemical properties; each element is made of one kind of atom.

Molecule

A group of atoms held together by chemical bonds; the smallest unit of matter that can exist by itself and retain a substance’s chemical properties.

Pure Substance

A sample of matter that is either a single element or a single compound with definite chemical and physical properties; mixtures are not pure substances.