Substances can be classified as elements, compounds or mixtures.
An element is the purest substance possible and is composed of (almost) the same particles. In other words, each element is made up of similar atoms (similar, because isotopes are also there). These constituent particles have the same number of protons and electrons and have same properties. Some examples of elements are carbon, iron, sodium, etc. Elements can be solid, liquid or gas at room temperature...
Substances can be classified as elements, compounds or mixtures.
An element is the purest substance possible and is composed of (almost) the same particles. In other words, each element is made up of similar atoms (similar, because isotopes are also there). These constituent particles have the same number of protons and electrons and have same properties. Some examples of elements are carbon, iron, sodium, etc. Elements can be solid, liquid or gas at room temperature and hence the arrangement of constituent atoms can be different.
A compound is made up of 2 or more elements, combined in a specific ratio. A compound has different properties than the constituent atoms. For example, water or H2O is composed of hydrogen and oxygen atoms in a fixed 2:1 ratio. Hydrogen is very combustible and oxygen is required for combustion, yet their compound water is used for extinguishing fires. The constituent atoms of a compound are present in a fixed ratio (for example, 1:2 carbon to oxygen atom ratio in carbon dioxide). It is difficult to break down a compound in its constituent atoms or elements.
A mixture is made up of 2 or more compounds, mixed in any ratio. Individual constituents of a mixture retain their individual properties, unlike compounds. The constituents of a mixture can be separated by physical processes. An example is the trail mix. Depending on whether the mixture is homogeneous or heterogeneous, the individual particles maybe uniformly or non-uniformly mixed.
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