Atoms, Elements, and Mixtures Flashcards
Atoms, elements, compounds, and mixtures
What is an atom?
The smallest unit of an element that contains protons, neutrons, and electrons.
What is a proton?
A positively charged subatomic particle.
What is a neutron?
A neutral subatomic particle.
What is an electron?
A negatively charged subatomic particle.
What is an element?
A pure substance that cannot be broken down into simpler substances.
Think of examples of elements.
- Helium (H)
- Sodium (Na)
- Potassium (K)
- Iron (Fe)
There are plenty of other elements to think of!
What is a compound?
A combination of two or more elements that can be broken down chemically.
Think of examples of compounds.
- Water (H₂O: two hydrogen and one oxygen)
- Glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆: six carbon, twelve hydrogen, six oxygen)
- Carbon dioxide (CO₂: one carbon and two oxygen)
- Table salt (NaCl: one sodium and chlorine)
What is a mixture?
A combination of two or more substances that can be physically separated.
What is a solute?
The substance dissolved by another substance in a solution.
What is a solvent?
The substance that the solute is dissolved in in a solution.
What is a heterogeneous mixture?
A mixture in which the particles are NOT evenly distributed and the composition is NOT uniform. The different components are usually visible to the naked eye.
It can be separated physically.
What is a homogeneous mixture?
A mixture in which the particles are evenly distributed and the composition is uniform. The different components CANNOT be seen by the naked eye.
It CANNOT be separated physically.
Name the types of homogeneous and heterogeneous mixtures.
- Suspension
- Colloid
- Solution
What is a suspension?
A heterogeneous mixture where the particles settle over time and are too large to dissolve.
