Pure Substances vs Mixtures

The classification of all matter

Classifying matter

As you know, matter is anything that has mass and takes up

space.

All matter is made up of tiny particles we call atoms.

All types of matter can be put into two main categories: pure
substances and mixtures.
Pure Substances

Matter that is made up of the same type of particle all

throughout is called a pure substance.

Pure substances have definite chemical and physical

properties.
Pure Substances

Elements are pure substances.

An element is the simplest pure substance and cannot be

broken down any further by physical or chemical means.

Elements are made up of the same type of atom all throughout.

There are 118 elements located on the Periodic Table.

Example: A sample of pure gold is comprised of only gold

atoms.
Pure Substances

Compounds are pure substances.

A compound is a pure substance made up of the same

molecule all throughout.

Each molecule is made up of two or more different atoms

(different elements).

Compounds can be broken down into the separate elements

through a chemical reaction.

Example: Pure water is made up of only water molecules.

Mixtures

All matter that is not either an element or compound is

considered a mixture.

A mixture is a combination of two or more substances that are

physically combined.

The substances that are mixed together can be elements,

compounds, or other mixtures.

Most matter that you see around you are classified as mixtures.

A mixture can be a solid, liquid, gas or a combination of these.

Mixtures

The substances that make up a mixture do not chemically

combine.

These substances keep their identity and have their same

physical and chemical properties.

Since they are physically combined, they can be separated by

physical means. In other words, you can use the physical
properties of each substance to separate it from a mixture.

Example: Use a magnet to remove metal objects that are

magnetic.
Types of Mixtures

There are two main types of mixtures: homogeneous

mixtures and heterogeneous mixtures.

Homo = "same"

Homogeneous mixtures look the same all throughout.

Hetero = "different"

Heterogeneous mixtures look different throughout.

Homogeneous Mixtures

A homogeneous mixture has the same composition and looks

the same all throughout.

They are considered to be "well-mixed" mixtures.

Examples are sports drinks, salt water, air and stainless steel.
Heterogeneous Mixtures

A heterogeneous mixture has a mixed composition and looks

different all throughout. You can see the different substances
that are combined together.

They are considered to be "poorly-mixed" mixtures.

Examples are cereal, salad dressing, pizza, granola, and most

rocks.
 MATTER

Pure Substance
(Made of the same particles)
Mixture
(Made of different particles)

Element Compound

Heterogeneous Homogeneous