Basics

Elements

  • A substance that is composed of very small particles called atoms
  • Contains only one kind of atom

Compounds

  • A molecule consisting of 2 or more different elements that are chemically combined
  • Contains two or more kinds of atoms
  • Chemically combined

Pure substances

  • Elements and/or compounds are pure substances
  • Cannot be broken down or separated into new products
  • Are made up of a single element

Mixtures

  • Mixtures are combinations of two or more substances
  • They are not chemically bonded together
  • They keep their own physical properties because they do not create a new substance
  • Impure substances are also called mixtures
  • Two types of mixtures: homogenous and heterogenous
  • A HOMOGENOUS mixture is called a solution
    • Think of homogenous mixtures like sugar and water. They both mix well.
  • Think of a HETEROGENOUS mixture like oil and water. They don’t mix.
  • If a substance can easily be separated into different components, it’s a mixture
  • \