Classifying Matter

Chemistry The study of the properties and behavior of matter

Matter Anything that has mass and volume

Atom The smallest unit of a substance that keeps the properties of that substance

Substance Matter that has a uniform (looks the same) and definite composition (what it is made up is the same everywhere)

Element A substance that has only one type of atom and cannot be decomposed (broken down) to simpler substances Aluminum Helium

Compound A substance that has two or more different types of elements chemically combined in a fixed ratio. Can only be separated by chemical means.

Mixture A “physical” blend of two or more substances that can be separated by physical means; each substance retains its chemical identity. The composition can vary

Heterogeneous Mixture A mixture that is not uniform in composition (you can see differences)

Homogeneous Mixture A mixture that is uniform throughout (cannot see a difference) Also called solutions Bronze (Copper + Tin)

Distillation A process for separating mixtures by evaporating a liquid from a solid or boiling and condensing liquids to separate them.

Separation by Filtration Mixture of a solid and liquid- liquid passes through filter paper and solid remains on paper