Elements, compounds and mixtures
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Question
What is an element?
Answer
A pure substance made of **only one type of atom**; it cannot be broken down chemically.
Question
What is a compound?
Answer
**Two or more different atoms chemically bonded** together in a fixed ratio.
Question
What is a mixture?
Answer
Two or more substances **physically combined but not chemically bonded**, in any ratio.
Question
How is a compound separated?
Answer
Only by **chemical** means (a reaction) — not by physical methods.
Question
How is a mixture separated?
Answer
By **physical** means (e.g. filtration, distillation), because nothing is bonded.
Question
Homogeneous vs heterogeneous mixture?
Answer
Homogeneous = **uniform** (e.g. solution, air); heterogeneous = **not uniform**, parts visible (e.g. sand + iron).
Question
Element vs compound — key difference?
Answer
Element = one type of atom; compound = different atoms **chemically bonded** in a fixed ratio.
Question
What is a pure substance?
Answer
A single element or compound — it has a **sharp, fixed** melting and boiling point.
Question
How can melting point test purity?
Answer
A pure substance melts **sharply**; impurities **lower** it and spread it over a **range**.
Question
Is brass an element, compound or mixture?
Answer
A **mixture** (an alloy of copper and zinc) — the metals are not chemically bonded.
Read the notes
Full study notes for Elements, compounds and mixtures
Topic 1.1 hub
Introduction to the particulate nature of matter
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Chemistry exam skills
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