Classifying Matter:
Elements, Compounds, and Mixtures
Adapted from
www.middleschoolscience.com
Periodic Table
Definition: A way of organizing & classifying elements
 Arranged in rows and columns
www.chemicalelements.com
Columns/ Groups
 The vertical or up and
down columns of the
periodic table
 Also called groups or
families.
 Elements in the same
group or family have
similar characteristics
or properties.
 18 Groups
www.chemicalelements.com
Rows/Period
 The horizontal, or left to right, rows of
the periodic table are called periods.
 Elements in a period are not alike in
properties.
 The first element in a period is usually an
active solid, and the last element in a
period is always an inactive gas.
www.chemicalelements.com
(Rows/Period)
 Atomic number , number of
protons, increases from left to
right across a period.
 Atomic mass also increases from
left to right across a period.
www.chemicalelements.com
The chemical symbol for oxygen is….
Elements
Definition: a pure substance that cannot be separated into
simpler substance by physical or chemical means.
 Represented by 1 to 2 letters the first of which is capital
An example of an element is … its
symbol is…
Compounds
Definition: A substance composed of two or more
different elements joined by chemical bonds.
 Made of elements in a specific ratio
that is always the same
 Has a chemical formula
 Can only be separated by
chemical means, not physically
Water is an example of a compound
because it contains the elements … and
….
Mixtures
 A combination of two or more pure substances that are not




chemically combined.
substances held together by physical forces, not chemical
No chemical change takes place
Each item retains its properties
in the mixture
They can be separated physically
Chem4kids.com
(Mixtures)
 Homogenous mixture: when one compound
mixes evenly with another compound. It seems to
“disappear”
 Heterogenous mixture: when two compounds are
put together but do not mix. Think of oil and
water.
Chem4kids.com
A mixture is different from a compound because it can be …
(Mixtures vs. Compounds)
http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/ks3bitesize/science/chemistry/elements_com_mix_6.shtml
Time to put our pencils down
and answer some questions!
Can you identify the following?
You will be shown a series of photos. Tell if each photo
represents an item composed of an element, compound, or
mixture.
Review:
 An element is a pure substance that cannot be separated
into simpler substance by physical or chemical means.
 A compound is a pure substance composed of two or more
different elements joined by chemical bonds.
 A mixture contains two or more different substances that
are only physically joined together, not chemically.
 A mixture can contain both elements and compounds.
Element, Compound, or Mixture?
Rocks
Element, Compound, or Mixture?
Rocks
Element, Compound, or Mixture?
Copper
Element, Compound, or Mixture?
Copper
Element, Compound, or Mixture?
Jelly Beans
Element, Compound, or Mixture?
Jelly Beans
Element, Compound, or Mixture?
Table Sugar
Element, Compound, or Mixture?
Table Sugar
Element, Compound, or Mixture?
Diamond
Element, Compound, or Mixture?
Diamond
Element, Compound, or Mixture?
Salt
Element, Compound, or Mixture?
Salt
Element, Compound, or Mixture?
Neon Gas
Element, Compound, or Mixture?
Neon Gas
Element, Compound, or Mixture?
Salad
Element, Compound, or Mixture?
Salad
Element, Compound, or Mixture?
Pure Water
Element, Compound, or Mixture?
Pure Water
Element, Compound, or Mixture?
Aluminum
Element, Compound, or Mixture?
Aluminum
Element, Compound, or Mixture?
Lemonade
Element, Compound, or Mixture?
Lemonade
Element, Compound, or Mixture?
Silver
Element, Compound, or Mixture?
Silver
Element, Compound, or Mixture?
Sand
Element, Compound, or Mixture?
Sand