8.1 The Nature of Matter

Matter Matter is a term used to describe anything that has mass and takes up space. Is a sugar cube a single piece of matter?

Elements An element cannot be broken down into another substance by chemical or physical means.

Atoms An atom is the smallest particle that retains the chemical identity of an element.

Molecules and Compounds Molecule: two or more atoms joined together chemically Example: oxygen gas (O2) Compound: two or more different atoms joined together chemically Example: water (H2O)

Mixtures Mixture: matter that contains a combination of different elements and/or compounds Are the following examples of an element, a compound, or a mixture? A B C

Classifying Matter Matter Pure substance Mixture Element Compound cannot be separated by physical means Mixture can be physically separated Element Compound Homogeneous mixture Heterogeneous mixture

Matter Check! All matter is made up of __________. The two main types of matter are __________ and __________. Classify the following as an element, a compound, or a mixture: a. helium b. olive oil c. air d. vitamin C