Atoms, Elements, Molecules, Compounds

Front

What is an atom?

Back

An atom is the smallest unit of matter that retains the properties of an element.

Front

What is an element?

Back

An element is a pure substance that consists of only one type of atom.

Front

What is a molecule?

Back

A molecule is a group of two or more atoms bonded together, which can be of the same or different elements.

Front

What is a compound?

Back

A compound is a substance formed when two or more elements are chemically bonded together in a fixed ratio.

Front

What is the difference between an element and a compound?

Back

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

Front

Can a molecule be an element?

Back

Yes, a molecule can be an element if it consists of two or more atoms of the same element, like O2 (oxygen gas).

Front

What is a mixture?

Back

A mixture is a combination of two or more substances that are not chemically bonded and can be separated by physical means.

Front

What is the chemical formula for water?

Back

The chemical formula for water is H2O, which indicates it is made of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom.

Front

What is the significance of the periodic table?

Back

The periodic table organizes all known elements based on their atomic number, electron configuration, and recurring chemical properties.

Front

What does it mean for a compound to have a fixed ratio?

Back

A fixed ratio means that the elements in a compound are always present in the same proportion, such as in water (H2O), where there are always two hydrogen atoms for every one oxygen atom.