MATTER General Chemistry I
CHEM2101
FL 2020
Chapter 1: Section 1.10 – Classification of Matter (pages 27–31, textbook)
Definition of Matter
Anything that occupies space and has mass; it is the physical material of the
universe.
Chemistry is the study of matter, its physical and chemical properties, the physical
and chemical changes it undergoes, and the energy changes accompanying physical
and chemical processes.
Examples of matter: air, water, sugar, table salt (NaCl), glucose, the human
body, gold, trees, brass, soft drinks, petrol, ink.
Classification of Matter
All matter is either a pure substance or a mixture.
A pure substance is a form of matter that has a definite (fixed or constant)
chemical composition and distinct properties. Pure substances are classified as
elements and compounds. An element cannot be changed into a simpler form
of matter by any chemical reaction. An element consists of atoms of the same
kind. Atoms are basic units (building blocks) of matter. A compound is
composed of two or more different elements (two or more different kinds of
atoms) chemically bonded together in fixed proportions. A compound cannot
be broken down (decomposed) into its constituent elements by physical
means.
A mixture is made up of two or more pure substances; the substances in a
mixture keep their identities. The main characteristic of a mixture is that it has
variable composition. Mixtures are formed by physical processes and,
therefore, their components are separated by physical means. Mixtures are
either homogeneous or heterogeneous. A homogeneous mixture is referred to
as a solution; if the solvent is water, the solution is described as aqueous. A
homogeneous mixture has uniform composition. In contrast, a heterogeneous
mixture has non-uniform composition.
Matter
Pure Substances Mixtures
Elements Compounds Homogeneous Heterogeneous
(monaatomic or molecular) (molecular or ionic) Mixtures Mixtures
e.g.: Na, Se, O2, P4 e.g.: H2O, C6H12O6, NH3 e.g.: air, ink, pepsi, brass, e.g.: oil/water,
NaCl, (NH4)2HPO4 steel, C12H22O11(aq) BaSO4(s)/H2O(l)
CHEM2101
FL 2020
Chapter 1: Section 1.10 – Classification of Matter (pages 27–31, textbook)
Definition of Matter
Anything that occupies space and has mass; it is the physical material of the
universe.
Chemistry is the study of matter, its physical and chemical properties, the physical
and chemical changes it undergoes, and the energy changes accompanying physical
and chemical processes.
Examples of matter: air, water, sugar, table salt (NaCl), glucose, the human
body, gold, trees, brass, soft drinks, petrol, ink.
Classification of Matter
All matter is either a pure substance or a mixture.
A pure substance is a form of matter that has a definite (fixed or constant)
chemical composition and distinct properties. Pure substances are classified as
elements and compounds. An element cannot be changed into a simpler form
of matter by any chemical reaction. An element consists of atoms of the same
kind. Atoms are basic units (building blocks) of matter. A compound is
composed of two or more different elements (two or more different kinds of
atoms) chemically bonded together in fixed proportions. A compound cannot
be broken down (decomposed) into its constituent elements by physical
means.
A mixture is made up of two or more pure substances; the substances in a
mixture keep their identities. The main characteristic of a mixture is that it has
variable composition. Mixtures are formed by physical processes and,
therefore, their components are separated by physical means. Mixtures are
either homogeneous or heterogeneous. A homogeneous mixture is referred to
as a solution; if the solvent is water, the solution is described as aqueous. A
homogeneous mixture has uniform composition. In contrast, a heterogeneous
mixture has non-uniform composition.
Matter
Pure Substances Mixtures
Elements Compounds Homogeneous Heterogeneous
(monaatomic or molecular) (molecular or ionic) Mixtures Mixtures
e.g.: Na, Se, O2, P4 e.g.: H2O, C6H12O6, NH3 e.g.: air, ink, pepsi, brass, e.g.: oil/water,
NaCl, (NH4)2HPO4 steel, C12H22O11(aq) BaSO4(s)/H2O(l)
