Chemistry - Classification of Matter Flashcards

Classes of Matter

• Matter is categorized into two main classes: mixtures and pure substances.

Mixtures

• Mixture: A blend of two or more substances that are not chemically combined.
• Mixtures can be separated using physical methods, allowing individual substances to retain their properties.

Pure Substances

• Pure substance: Composed solely of one type of particle, which can be either an element or a compound.

Elements

• Element: The basic building block of matter, represented by a unique chemical symbol—each element consists of one type of atom.

Compounds

• Compound: Formed by the chemical combination of two or more elements in a specific ratio. Examples include water (H2O) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2).

Types of Mixtures

• Mixtures can be classified into homogeneous and heterogeneous types.

Homogeneous Mixture

• Homogeneous mixture: Uniform composition throughout, with components evenly distributed.

Heterogeneous Mixture

• Heterogeneous mixture: Non-uniform composition where different components can be distinguished visually.

Sub-types of Mixtures

• Three sub-types of mixtures include:
  • Solution
  • Suspension
  • Colloid

Solution Mixture

• Solution: A homogeneous mixture where a solute (small particles) dissolves in a solvent (the substance that dissolves the solute).

Aqueous Solutions

• Aqueous solution: A solution in which water serves as the solvent.

Suspension Mixture

• Suspension: A heterogeneous mixture with larger particles that settle when left undisturbed. Examples include salad dressing, ketchup, and peanut butter.

Colloid Mixture

• Colloid: A mixture with medium-sized particles that remain suspended without settling, exhibiting properties of both homogeneous and heterogeneous mixtures. Examples include juice, milk, and hair conditioner.

Identifying Mixtures

• Solution: Clear and transparent, allowing light to pass through.
• Colloid: Cloudy and translucent, causing light to scatter.
• Suspension: More opaque and cloudy, preventing light from passing through.