Classify each of the following as an element, compound, homogeneous mixture, or heterogenous mixture.and has mass. Matter can be classified in many different ways. The most common classification
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
To classify matter into the four main categories—elements, compounds, homogeneous mixtures, or heterogeneous mixtures—it is essential to understand what each category represents. Let’s first define each term and then classify the example.
1. Element:
An element is a substance that cannot be broken down into simpler substances by chemical means. Elements consist of a single type of atom and are represented by symbols on the periodic table, like oxygen (O) or carbon (C). They are pure substances.
2. Compound:
A compound is a substance made up of two or more different types of elements that are chemically bonded together. The elements in a compound are present in fixed proportions and can be broken down into simpler substances by chemical reactions. Water (H₂O) is a compound because it consists of hydrogen and oxygen in a fixed ratio.
3. Homogeneous Mixture:
A homogeneous mixture, also known as a solution, is a mixture in which the components are evenly distributed throughout. The individual parts of the mixture are not distinguishable by the naked eye, and the composition is uniform throughout. An example of this is saltwater, where salt is evenly dissolved in water.
4. Heterogeneous Mixture:
A heterogeneous mixture is one in which the components are not uniformly distributed. Different parts of the mixture can be distinguished from one another. An example would be a salad, where you can easily see the different ingredients like lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers.
Classification:
Let’s say we are given a list of substances. Here’s how we would classify them:
- Pure Water (H₂O): This is a compound because it is made of two elements, hydrogen and oxygen, chemically combined in a fixed ratio.
- Oxygen (O₂): This is an element because it consists of only one type of atom, oxygen, and cannot be chemically broken down into simpler substances.
- Saltwater (NaCl in water): This is a homogeneous mixture because the salt is evenly dissolved in the water, making it uniform throughout.
- Salad: This is a heterogeneous mixture because the components (lettuce, tomato, etc.) are not uniformly distributed and can be seen individually.
Conclusion:
In summary, matter can be classified into four categories based on its composition. Elements consist of single types of atoms, compounds consist of chemically bonded elements, homogeneous mixtures have uniform compositions, and heterogeneous mixtures have non-uniform compositions. Understanding these classifications is important for studying the physical and chemical properties of substances in science.