IGCSE Chemistry: Elements, Compounds & Mixtures

Front

What is an element?

Back

An element is a pure substance made up of only one type of atom. It's the simplest form of matter and cannot be broken down into simpler substances.

Front

How are elements represented?

Back

Elements are represented by chemical symbols such as O for oxygen or H for hydrogen.

Front

What is a compound?

Back

A compound is a substance formed when two or more different elements chemically combine, having distinct properties different from the elements that make them up.

Front

How can compounds be represented?

Back

Compounds can be represented by chemical formulas such as H₂O for water or CO₂ for carbon dioxide.

Front

What is a mixture?

Back

A mixture is a combination of two or more substances (elements or compounds) physically mixed together but not chemically bonded.

Front

How can mixtures be separated?

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Mixtures can be separated by physical means such as filtration or distillation.

Front

Define an atom.

Back

An atom is the smallest indivisible unit of an element, consisting of protons, neutrons, and electrons.

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What is a molecule?

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A molecule is a group of atoms bonded together, which can be made of atoms of the same or different elements.

Front

What is the difference between a molecule and a compound?

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A molecule can consist of the same or different elements, while a compound is a specific type of molecule that consists of atoms of different elements chemically bonded together.

Front

What are the differences between elements, compounds, and mixtures?

Back

Elements are made of one type of atom, compounds are made of two or more different types of atoms chemically bonded, and mixtures contain two or more elements or compounds not chemically bonded.