Elements, Compounds, and Mixtures
What is an Element?
An element is a substance that cannot be broken down into other substances. The smallest part of an element that can exist is an atom. A symbol represents each element. The first letter of the character is always capitalized, and any following letters are lowercase. The signs for the details are arranged on the periodic table.
What is a Compound?
A compound is a substance made when two or more elements are chemically bonded together. A diagram can represent a compound. The atoms are shown touching each other or joined by a stick that describes a bond.
Water is a compound made from one oxygen atom and two hydrogen atoms. Its formula is H₂O.
What is a Mixture?
A mixture consists of two or more substances not chemically combined. You can have elements, compounds, or medicines containing both.
In a particle diagram of a mixture, not all of the molecules shown will be touching each other or be joined by sticks representing the bonds.
Key Vocabulary
- Atom – The smallest part of an element that can exist.
- Bond – An attraction between atoms or molecules that enables the formation of chemical compounds.
- Chemical Formula – A series of chemical symbols showing the number of atoms of each element in a compound.
- Chemical Reaction – A process that involves the rearrangement of atoms to produce new substances.
- Chemical Symbol – A letter or series of letters representing an element, e.g., C for carbon, Na for sodium.
- Compound – A substance of two or more elements chemically bonded together.
- Element – A substance made of only one type of atom.
- Metal – An element or substance typically shiny, malleable, and ductile. It normally conducts heat and electricity well.
- Mixture – A substance consisting of two or more substances not chemically combined.
- Non-metal – An element or substance that is not a metal.
What are the differences between compounds and mixtures?
