Matter: Elements, Compounds, and Mixtures (Video)

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms related to matter, mixtures, elements, and compounds from the lecture.

Matter

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

Mixture

Two or more substances physically combined not in fixed ratio; separated by physical means; components retain properties.

Element

Simplest pure substance; cannot be broken into simpler substances by physical or chemical means; examples include O2, Au, Ag, Pb.

Compound

Pure substance formed when two or more elements are chemically bonded; can be decomposed by chemical means; examples include H2O, NaCl, H2SO4.

Pure substance

Matter with fixed composition; either an element or a compound; cannot be separated into simpler substances by physical means.

Heterogeneous mixture

Not uniform throughout; components are visible; considered the least mixed.

Homogeneous mixture

Uniform throughout; appears the same; well mixed; particles are very small and not easily recognizable.

Colloid

A mixture where particles are mixed but not dissolved; relatively large, suspended, and may scatter light.

Solution

A homogeneous mixture formed when a solute dissolves in a solvent; the solute is dissolved by the solvent.

Solute

Substance dissolved in a solution.

Solvent

Substance that does the dissolving in a solution.

Alloy

A substance composed of two or more elements (usually metals) chemically combined; examples include brass and stainless steel.

Atom

The smallest unit of an element that retains its properties; the basic building block of matter.

Chemical symbol

One- or two-letter abbreviation for an element; first letter capitalized; two letters used if the first letter is already taken.

Periodic table

A chart listing all known elements; organized by properties; more than 100 elements.

Water (H2O)

A compound formed from hydrogen and oxygen; can be broken down into hydrogen and oxygen by chemical means.

Oxygen (O2)

Element that commonly exists as O2; diatomic molecule.

Gold (Au)

Element; symbol Au; example of a pure substance.

Silver (Ag)

Element; symbol Ag.

Lead (Pb)

Element; symbol Pb.

Sodium chloride (NaCl)

Compound formed from sodium and chlorine; common table salt.

Sulfuric acid (H2SO4)

Compound; strong acid composed of hydrogen, sulfur, and oxygen.

Air

A solution of gases; mainly nitrogen with dissolved oxygen and other gases.

Sand and pebbles

Heterogeneous mixture with visible, separate particles.

Oil and water

Heterogeneous mixture where immiscible liquids separate into layers.

Milk

Homogeneous mixture that is also a colloid; appears uniform.

Mayonnaise

Homogeneous mixture that is also a colloid; appears uniform.

Brass

Alloy of copper and zinc.

Ocean water

A solution in which salt (solid) is dissolved in water.

Physical separation

Separating mixture components by physical means (filtration, evaporation); not applicable to pure substances.