Classification of Matter

Classification of Matter

All matter can be classified as either a mixture or a pure substance. Mixtures can be homogeneous or heterogeneous. Pure substances can be either elements or compounds.

Pure Substances

cannot be separated into component parts by physical methods and follow the law of constant composition. The fundamental reason behind these properties is that pure substances contain only a single type of molecule.

Pure Substances can be divided into two categories:

Elements:
                Contain only one type of atom
Compounds:
                    Contain more than one type of atom

Examples include

• Elements : Oxygen (O₂), Gold (Au), Silicon (Si), Diamond (C)
• Compounds: Sodium Chloride (NaCL), Water (H₂O), Ethanol (C₂H₆O), Quartz (SiO₂)

Mixtures 

           It is defined as the combination of two or more compounds and can be separated by physical method.      Mixture have variable composition and can be separated into component parts by physical methods. Mixtures contain more than one type of molecule.
Mixtures can also be divided into two categories:

Homogeneous :

 Composition and properties are uniform .

Heterogeneous :

                                Composition and properties are non-uniform.