Atoms and Molecules

2.7 Elements and compounds

1. There are two types of pure substances

a. Elements: are substances that can not be chemically broken down into simpler
substances. An element cannot be decomposed by passing an electric current
through it.
b. Compounds: are pure substances made of 2 or more elements chemically
combined together.
2. Hydrogen is the most common element out of all. Helium is the second.
3. Our Earth is made out of mostly Oxygen and Silicon.
4. The human body contains 65% of oxygen, 18% of Carbon and 10% of hydrogen. It
also contains small amounts of nitrogen, calcium, iron and other elements.

2.8Chemical reactions and physical changes

1. In a chemical reaction a new substance is formed (with different properties) and it

cannot be easily reversed. Energy is often given out.
2. In a physical change, the substance involved doesn’t change identity (only the way
the atoms are arranged is different). The process can be easily changed back to its
original state by physical processes.
3. 2 Types of chemical reactions are
a. Decomposition: It is the kind of chemical reaction in which a compound is
broken down into 2 or more substances. E.g.: copper carbonate (green) on
heating becomes copper oxide (black) and carbon dioxide.
b. Synthesis: It is the type of chemical reaction in which a substance is formed
by the chemical combination of two or more substances. E.g.: magnesium
(silver) + oxygen on heating gives magnesium oxide (black).

When a mixture is formed When a compound forms

The substances are just mixed together.
The composition of the mixture can be
varied.
The properties of the substances are same
as before
The mixture can be separated by physical
means
A new substance is created
The composition of a compound is always
the same
The compound has totally different
properties.
The compound cannot easily be broken
down to its elements.

2.9 Atomic Theory

1.