Read First –
What is Matter? What is its Characteristics?
[dropcap]Matter[/dropcap] is everything around us which is made up of tiny particles. In the previous posts, we have learnt classification of matter into solid, liquid and gas, on the basis of their physical properties.
In the following post, we will discuss classification of matter into elements, compounds and mixtures on the basis of their chemical properties.
Nature of Matter
Matter can be broadly classified as pure substances and mixtures.
[A] Pure Substances –
When it is said that something is pure, it means that all the constituent particles of that substance are the same in their chemical nature. For ex. N2, O2, H2, Hg, sugar, common salt, water, iron, copper etc. Thus, a pure substance consists of a single type of particles.
- How can we identify a pure substance?
The purity of a substance can be tested by checking its melting / boiling point. A pure substance has a fixed melting point or boiling point at constant pressure. The melting and boiling point of a substance will change if it contains even a tiny amount of another substance.
[B] Mixtures –
Most of the materials that we come across in our surroundings are mixtures. Mixture is a substance which consists of two or more pure substances (elements or compounds). Examples – sea water, minerals, soil, air, sand and salt, sugar in water, salt in water, milk etc.
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