Chemistry Fundamentals: Substances, Mixtures, and Properties

What is a Mixture?

It is the union of two or more substances in different proportions.

What is a Pure Substance?

These are formed by identical particles, such as water, alcohol, and oxygen.

Types of Mixtures

Homogeneous Mixtures

They are those whose components are indistinguishable to the naked eye and look the same throughout the mixture.

Heterogeneous Mixtures

These are mixtures whose components are distinguishable to the naked eye.

Differences of Colloid Solutions

A colloid solution is observed using an ultramicroscope.

Procedures to Separate Mixtures

Heterogeneous Mixture Separation

  • Filtration: It consists of separating the components of a mixture consisting of two phases: a solid and a liquid.
  • Decanting: It consists of separating immiscible liquids or a mixture composed of an insoluble solid in a liquid.
  • Magnetization: It consists of separating a magnetic material from others that do not possess this property.
  • Screening: It consists of separating a mixture of solid materials of different sizes.
  • Centrifugation: It consists of separating a mixture having components with different densities.

Homogeneous Mixture Separation

  • Distillation: It consists of separating two liquids with different boiling points, which are then condensed by passing through a cold pipe.
  • Evaporation: It consists of separating the components of a mixture of a solid dissolved in a liquid.
  • Crystallization: It is used to purify a substance.

Concentration of Solutions in Qualitative Terms

  • Diluted: Contains a small amount of solute relative to another of the same nature.
  • Concentrated: Contains a larger amount of dissolved solute.
  • Saturated: Contains the maximum amount of solute dissolved under given pressure and temperature.
  • Supersaturated: Has an excess of solute at a given temperature and pressure.
  • Unsaturated: Has less dissolved solute than it may contain.

Defining a Simple Substance

These are the basic substances that constitute matter.

Element Types and Arrangement in the Periodic Table

  • Metals
  • Nonmetals
  • Metalloids

Defining a Chemical Compound

This is comprised of two or more elements chemically united in fixed mass proportions. Chemical bonds are formed.

Differences Between Compounds and Mixtures

A compound is formed by chemical bonds, while mixtures are formed by physical connections between their constituent substances.

Decomposition of Compounds: Types

  • Thermal decomposition
  • Electrical breakdown

Inorganic Compounds: Definition and Types

They are very diverse and are represented by chemical formulas.

  • Oxides: They result from the combination of oxygen with a metal or nonmetal.
  • Acids: They result from the union of a non-metal with water.
  • Bases: They result from the union of a metal with water.
  • Salts: They result from the union of an acid with a base.

Elements of the Geosphere

  • Hydrogen
  • Iron
  • Silicon
  • Chlorine
  • Sodium
  • Gases

Elements of Living Organisms

  • Carbon
  • Silicon
  • Nitrogen
  • Sodium
  • Chloride
  • Macronutrients
  • Micronutrients

Toxic Elements for the Body

  • Lead
  • Arsenic
  • Mercury

Physical and Mechanical Properties of Materials

Metals possess physical properties such as electrical and thermal conductivity, and brightness.

Mechanical Properties

  • Hardness
  • Malleability
  • Ductility