Classification of Matter

Front

What is matter?

Back

Matter is anything that has mass and occupies 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 air or saltwater.

Front

What is a heterogeneous mixture?

Back

A heterogeneous mixture is a mixture that does not have a uniform composition, such as salad or sand and iron filings.

Front

What is an example of a diatomic element?

Back

An example of a diatomic element is oxygen (O2) or nitrogen (N2).

Front

How would you classify air?

Back

Air is classified as a homogeneous mixture.