Distinguishing Elements and Compounds 2.3 Distinguishing Elements and Compounds An element is the simplest form of matter that has a unique set of properties. (ex: sodium (Na) A compound is a substance that contains two or more elements chemically combined in a fixed proportion. (ex: sodium chloride, NaCl) Compounds can be broken down into simpler substances by chemical means, but elements cannot.

Distinguishing Elements and Compounds 2.3 Distinguishing Elements and Compounds Breaking Down Compounds A chemical change is a change that produces matter with a different composition than the original matter. When table sugar is heated, it goes through a series of chemical changes. When table sugar is heated, it goes through a series of chemical changes. The final products of these changes are solid carbon and water vapor.

Distinguishing Elements and Compounds 2.3 Distinguishing Elements and Compounds The final products of these chemical changes are solid carbon and water vapor. The following diagram summarizes the process.

Distinguishing Elements and Compounds 2.3 Distinguishing Elements and Compounds Properties of Compounds In general, the properties of compounds are quite different from those of their component elements. When the elements sodium and chlorine combine chemically to form sodium chloride, there is a change in composition and a change in properties.

Distinguishing Substances and Mixtures 2.3 Distinguishing Substances and Mixtures Distinguishing Substances and Mixtures How can substances and mixtures be distinguished? If the composition of a material is fixed, the material is a substance. If the composition of a material may vary, the material is a mixture.

Distinguishing Substances and Mixtures 2.3 Distinguishing Substances and Mixtures This flowchart summarizes the process for classifying matter. The flow chart summarizes the process for classifying matter. Any sample of matter is either an element, a compound, or a mixture. Interpreting Diagrams What is the key difference between a substance and a solution?

for Conceptual Problem 2.2

Each element is represented by a one or two-letter chemical symbol. 2.3 Symbols and Formulas Chemists use chemical symbols to represent elements, and chemical formulas to represent compounds. ex: C (carbon), Na (sodium), CO2 (carbon dioxide) Each element is represented by a one or two-letter chemical symbol. The symbols used to represent elements have changed over time. Alchemists and the English chemist John Dalton (1766–1844) both used drawings to represent chemical elements. Today, elements are represented by one- or two-letter symbols.

2.3 Section Quiz. 2.3.

2.3 Section Quiz 1. Passing an electric current through a certain substance produces oxygen and sulfur. This substance cannot be a(n) compound. mixture. element. solution.

2.3 Section Quiz 2. Which of the following is a mixture? sodium chloride carbon dioxide sucrose air

2.3 Section Quiz. 3. The symbol for the element potassium is K. Po. P. Pt.