Classifying Matter

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What is an element?

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An element is a pure substance that cannot be broken down into simpler substances by chemical means. Examples include oxygen (O), hydrogen (H), and calcium (Ca).

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What is a compound?

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A compound is a substance formed when two or more elements are chemically bonded together. Examples include water (H2O) and carbon dioxide (CO2).

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What is a mixture?

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A mixture is a combination of two or more substances that are not chemically bonded. The individual components retain their own properties. Examples include air and salad dressing.

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What is a homogeneous mixture?

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A homogeneous mixture is a mixture that has a uniform composition throughout. Examples include saltwater and vinegar.

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What is a heterogeneous mixture?

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A heterogeneous mixture is a mixture that does not have a uniform composition and the individual components can be seen. Examples include salad and Italian salad dressing.

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What is the difference between an element and a compound?

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An element is a pure substance made of only one type of atom, while a compound is made of two or more different types of atoms chemically bonded together.

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What is a substance?

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A substance is a form of matter that has a uniform and definite composition. It can be an element or a compound.

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Can a mixture be separated into its components?

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Yes, mixtures can be separated into their individual components by physical means, such as filtration or distillation.

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What is an example of a compound?

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An example of a compound is water (H2O), which is made of hydrogen and oxygen atoms.

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What is an example of an element?

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An example of an element is gold (Au), which is a pure substance made of only gold atoms.