2.6 - Elements, Compounds and Mixtures

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What is an element?

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An element is a pure substance that consists entirely of one type of atom. Examples include hydrogen (H), oxygen (O), and gold (Au).

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What is a compound?

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A compound is a pure substance formed when two or more different elements chemically bond together. Examples include water (H2O) and carbon dioxide (CO2).

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What is a mixture?

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A mixture is a combination of two or more substances where each retains its own properties. Mixtures can be homogeneous or heterogeneous.

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What is a homogeneous mixture?

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A homogeneous mixture is a mixture that is uniform in composition; its components are evenly distributed and not easily distinguished. Example: saltwater.

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What is a heterogeneous mixture?

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A heterogeneous mixture is a mixture where the components are not uniformly distributed and can be easily distinguished. Example: salad.

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What is the atomic number?

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The atomic number is the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom, which determines the element's identity.

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What is a solution?

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A solution is a homogeneous mixture where one substance (the solute) is dissolved in another (the solvent). Example: sugar dissolved in water.

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What is the difference between a compound and a mixture?

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A compound is a chemical combination of elements, while a mixture is a physical combination of substances that can be separated.

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What is an example of a pure substance?

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An example of a pure substance is distilled water, which contains only H2O molecules.

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What is the difference between an element and a compound?

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An element consists of only one type of atom, while a compound consists of two or more different types of atoms chemically bonded.