2.1

Elements, compounds and mixtures

11 flashcards to master Elements, compounds and mixtures

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Definition Flip

Define an element.

Answer Flip

An element is a substance made of only one type of atom. It cannot be broken down into simpler substances by chemical means.

Example: Gold (Au) is an element.
Definition Flip

Define a compound.

Answer Flip

A compound is a substance formed when two or more elements are chemically bonded together in a fixed ratio.

Example: Water (H₂O) is a compound formed from hydrogen and oxygen.
Definition Flip

Define a mixture.

Answer Flip

A mixture is a substance comprising two or more elements or compounds that are physically mixed but not chemically combined.

Example: Air is a mixture of nitrogen, oxygen, and other gases.
Key Concept Flip

What is the key difference between a compound and a mixture?

Answer Flip

In a compound, elements are chemically bonded in a fixed ratio, whereas in a mixture, elements or compounds are physically mixed and not chemically bonded. Mixtures don't have a fixed ratio.

Key Concept Flip

Give an example of a homogeneous mixture.

Answer Flip

A homogeneous mixture has uniform composition throughout.

Example: Saltwater is a homogeneous mixture because the salt is evenly distributed in the water.
Key Concept Flip

Give an example of a heterogeneous mixture.

Answer Flip

A heterogeneous mixture has a non-uniform composition.

Example: Sand and water form a heterogeneous mixture because the sand settles and is not evenly distributed.
Key Concept Flip

How can a mixture be separated?

Answer Flip

Mixtures can be separated by physical methods like filtration, evaporation, distillation, or magnetism, which do not involve chemical reactions.

Example: Iron filings can be separated from sand using a magnet.
Key Concept Flip

How are compounds formed?

Answer Flip

Compounds are formed through chemical reactions where atoms share or transfer electrons, resulting in chemical bonds.

Example: Sodium (Na) reacts with Chlorine (Cl) to form Sodium Chloride (NaCl) through ionic bonding.
Key Concept Flip

Is air an element, compound, or mixture?

Answer Flip

Air is a mixture. It's composed primarily of nitrogen and oxygen, along with smaller amounts of other gases such as argon and carbon dioxide, which are not chemically bonded.

Key Concept Flip

Is water (H₂O) an element, compound, or mixture?

Answer Flip

Water (H₂O) is a compound. It is formed by the chemical bonding of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom in a fixed ratio.

Key Concept Flip

Is oxygen (O₂) an element, compound, or mixture?

Answer Flip

Oxygen (O₂) is an element. It is composed of only one type of atom: oxygen. Two oxygen atoms bond covalently to form a diatomic molecule. Oxygen is in Group 6 of the Periodic Table.

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1.2 Particle theory 2.2 Atomic structure

Key Questions: Elements, compounds and mixtures

Define an element.

An element is a substance made of only one type of atom. It cannot be broken down into simpler substances by chemical means.

Example: Gold (Au) is an element.
Define a compound.

A compound is a substance formed when two or more elements are chemically bonded together in a fixed ratio.

Example: Water (H₂O) is a compound formed from hydrogen and oxygen.
Define a mixture.

A mixture is a substance comprising two or more elements or compounds that are physically mixed but not chemically combined.

Example: Air is a mixture of nitrogen, oxygen, and other gases.

About Elements, compounds and mixtures (2.1)

These 11 flashcards cover everything you need to know about Elements, compounds and mixtures for your Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry (0620) exam. Each card is designed based on the official syllabus requirements.

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