In the scientific term, matter is classified as pure substances and mixtures. Pure substances are made from similar kinds of particles. While, mixtures have more than one different particles. For clarity, let’s know classification of matter.
Universe is made up uncountable substances from air, water, dust, soil, light, and many more. In the language of physical science it is termed as matter.
Definition of matter
Scientifically, matter is anything which has mass and occupies space. It may contain single types of tiny participles or more than one. It may mixed with other kind of material or not.
On the basis of purity and original composition, classification of matter is determined. So let’s go deeper to unfold the secret behind the classification of matter. And, understand the difference between pure substances and mixtures.
Classification of matter — pure substance and mixture
Before to address classification of matter, we first of all, should understand what is mean by pure substance and examples of those substances.
Chemically, pure substances have fixed composition. And they are made from the similar kind of particles or components. For example Gold, Silver, water are some examples of pure substances.
On the other hand impure substances, mixtures are made from more than two different components in improper proportion. For example air, soil, gelly , lemonade are some examples of mixtures.
Understanding types and basis of Classification of matter
Now you have got idea that matter is broadly classified into two major types as Pure substance and mixtures. Further these are classified into subtypes. Mixtures are classified into homogeneous mixtures and heterogeneous mixtures.
Pure substance are classified as elements and compounds. We will see each component one by one.
Pure substances — Elements and compounds
1. Elements
2. Compounds
1.Elements — Pure substance
Element is a unique substance made up of only one kind of particles as atoms or sometimes molecules inside it called as an element.
We have learnt many examples of different elements like carbon, hydrogen, calcium, etc with their symbols.
Over a period of time and great efforts by our scientists , Elements have arranged according their chemical properties despite many of them were unknown and undiscovered to scientific community.
2. Chemical Compounds
Compound is a substance made from more than two elements. Simply, when two or more atoms of more than two different elements combine chemically form compounds.
Components forming compounds are in fixed proportion and shows different properties than their parent constituent elements.
For example Sodium chloride ( NaCl ) or commonly known as table salt, Sodium bicarbonate ( NaHCO3 ) or detergent powder, baking soda are some common examples of Chemical compounds.
Now, let’s see classification of matter as mixtures or impure substances.
Mixtures or impure substances
Homogenous mixtures
Heterogenous mixtures
1.Homogeneous mixture
When components of a mixture mixed completely with each other or homogeneously called as a homogeneous mixture. It remains uniform throughout.
Such mixtures are also called as solutions. For example air, lemonade, sugar are common examples of homogeneous mixtures or solutions.
2. Heterogeneous mixtures
When two or more than two substances mixed each other in non fixed ratio and non uniform throughout forms heterogeneous mixtures.
Further suspension and colloidal are types of heterogeneous mixtures. Milk, fog, smog, mist are some examples of heterogeneous mixtures.
Summary of classification of matter
- Matter is classified as pure substances and mixtures.
- Pure substances are classified as elements and compounds.
- Specifically, pure substances are made from similar kinds of particles or compounds in definite composition.
- On the other hand, mixtures have more than one different particles and compounds. And, it doesn’t have definite composition.
- Among pure substances, element is a unique substance made up of only one kind of particles as atoms or sometimes molecules inside it.
- Oxygen, carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, argon are the examples of elements.
- Compound, on the other hand, is made up from two atoms.
- Sodium chloride ( NaCl ) or commonly known as table salt, Sodium bicarbonate ( NaHCO3 ) or detergent powder are examples of compounds.
- Mixtures has two types homogeneous and heterogeneous.
- When two substances are mixed uniformly so that they can’t be separated is termed as homogeneous mixture.
- Heterogeneous mixture is mixture that is not mixed uniformly and could be separated.
- Further, homogeneous mixture is also termed as solution. Lemon juice, air, sugar solution are examples of solutions.
- For heterogeneous mixtures, suspension and colloidal are types of heterogeneous mixtures.
- Milk, fog, smog, mist are some examples of heterogeneous mixtures.
- If the mixture is transparent to light, it is known as colloid.
- If the mixture is opaque to light, it is called suspension.
Finally, this is a short summary of classification of matter in terms of pure and mixtures.
Hereon, let’s see some solved questions to help students to write better answers on this topic classification of matter.
Solved questions on classification of matter
For practice purpose, I have given some solved questions. On the basis of these questions, you can try more
Q. 1. What is difference between pure substances and mixtures?
Ans: Pure substance are made up of similar particles in the definite composition or proportion. While, mixture is formed by two different particles with indefinite composition or proportion.
Q. 2. What are the examples of pure substances and mixture?
Ans: Elements like oxygen, chlorine, fluorine, carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, argon are the examples of pure substances.
Besides, sodium chloride is an example of compound. Compound and elements are two types of pure substances.
Air, water, milk, lemon juice are examples of mixtures.
Q. 3. Write down the difference between homogeneous and heterogeneous mixtures?
Ans:. When two substances are mixed uniformly so that they can not be separated by any means is classified as homogeneous mixture.
On the other hand, when two mixed substances are separated by any means is termed as heterogeneous mixtures.
Q. 4. How to differentiate between elements and compounds?
Ans: Elements are formed from similar kinds of Particles or atoms. Whereas, compound is formed by two different types of atoms.
Q. 5. What is the difference between colloid and suspension?
Ans: Both are examples of heterogeneous mixtures. When the mixture is transparent to the light, it is called colloid. But, if the mixture is opaque to the light, it is known as suspension.
At last, this is all about the classification of matter. I have systematically explained each and every concept. In addition, you have short summary on this topic to get quick understanding. As extra bonus, I have given solved questions on classification of matter.
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