Classification of Matter

Depending on its composition, matter can be classified into several categories. Most matter around us consists of mixtures of pure substances.

Figure 1. The organization of matter

A pure substance is a matter that has a constant composition. All samples of a pure substance have precisely the same makeup and properties.

An element is a type of substance that cannot be broken into a simpler substance by a chemical change. Each element is composed of only one kind of atom. Gold, copper, hydrogen, and iron are some familiar examples of an element.

Two or more different kinds of elements can combine to make up a compound. Table salt, for example, is a compound that consists of two elements: sodium and chloride.

The combination of different substances creates mixtures. Mixtures that are uniform throughout are a homogeneous mixture, also called a solution. For example; saltwater, the atmosphere, wine, and brass.

A mixture that varies in composition, properties and appearance throughout is a heterogeneous mixture. An oil and water mixture is a heterogeneous mixture because its composition is not uniform throughout. Rocks, sands, and granite are some examples of heterogeneous mixtures.

Each substance in the mixture retains its chemical identity. Using physical methods, we can separate the mixture into its pure substance constituents.