Classifying Matter

Front

What is matter?

Back

Matter is anything that has mass and takes up space.

Front

What are the two main categories of matter?

Back

The two main categories of matter are pure substances and mixtures.

Front

What is a pure substance?

Back

A pure substance is matter that has a uniform and definite composition. Examples include elements and compounds.

Front

What is a mixture?

Back

A mixture is a combination of two or more substances that retain their individual properties.

Front

What is an element?

Back

An element is a pure substance that cannot be broken down into simpler substances by chemical means.

Front

What is a compound?

Back

A compound is a pure substance formed when two or more elements chemically combine in a fixed ratio.

Front

What is a homogeneous mixture?

Back

A homogeneous mixture is a mixture that has a uniform composition throughout, such as saltwater.

Front

What is a heterogeneous mixture?

Back

A heterogeneous mixture is a mixture where the components are not uniformly distributed, such as a salad.

Front

What is the difference between an element and a compound?

Back

An element is made of one type of atom, while a compound is made of two or more different types of atoms chemically bonded together.

Front

What is an example of a compound?

Back

An example of a compound is sodium chloride (NaCl), commonly known as table salt.