Classifying Matter

Front

What is a heterogeneous mixture?

Back

A mixture where the components are not uniformly distributed, and different parts can be seen, such as Italian salad dressing.

Front

What is a homogeneous mixture?

Back

A mixture that has a uniform composition throughout, where the individual components are not distinguishable, such as saltwater.

Front

What is a suspension?

Back

A type of mixture where particles are dispersed throughout a liquid or gas but will settle over time, such as iced coffee that needs to be shaken.

Front

What is a colloid?

Back

A mixture where tiny particles are dispersed in a medium and do not settle out, appearing cloudy and scattering light, like milk.

Front

What is a solution?

Back

A homogeneous mixture where one substance (solute) is completely dissolved in another (solvent), such as sugar in water.

Front

What is a compound?

Back

A substance formed when two or more elements chemically bond together, such as water (H2O).

Front

What is a molecule?

Back

The smallest unit of a chemical compound that retains its chemical properties, consisting of two or more atoms bonded together.

Front

Are all compounds molecules?

Back

Yes, every compound is a molecule, but not every molecule is a compound; for example, O2 is a molecule but not a compound.

Front

What is an element?

Back

A pure substance that cannot be broken down into simpler substances by chemical means, such as oxygen or gold.

Front

What is the difference between a mixture and a compound?

Back

A mixture is a physical combination of substances that retain their individual properties, while a compound is a chemical combination that results in new properties.