Matter: Elements, Compounds, and Mixtures (Video Notes)

Vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts about elements, compounds, mixtures, and solutions as described in the notes.

Element

A pure substance that cannot be broken down into simpler substances by chemical means; made of a single type of atom.

Atom

The smallest unit of an element that retains the properties of that element.

Pure substance

A substance with a definite composition and unique properties; includes elements and compounds.

Compound

A pure substance composed of two or more elements chemically combined; can be broken down by chemical means into elements; often has properties different from its elements.

Mixture

A substance that contains two or more components physically combined; composition can vary; components retain their own properties and can typically be separated by physical methods.

Homogeneous

A mixture with a uniform composition and appearance throughout; consists of only one phase; also known as a solution.

Heterogeneous

A mixture with more than one phase; not uniformly distributed; components can often be seen as separate parts.

Solution

A homogeneous mixture of a solute dissolved in a solvent.

Solvent

In a solution, the substance that dissolves the solute (usually present in greater amount).

Solute

In a solution, the substance dissolved in the solvent.

Phase

A distinct part of a system with uniform properties; a homogeneous mixture has one phase, a heterogeneous mixture has two or more phases.

Immiscible

Two liquids that do not mix to form a single phase and instead form separate layers.

Separation by physical means

Methods such as filtration, distillation, and magnetism used to separate mixtures without chemical change.

Magnetic separation

A method to separate magnetic materials (e.g., iron) from a mixture using a magnet.