Elements, Compounds, and Mixtures

Introduction to Matter

Chapter 4

Elements, Compounds, and Mixtures

Test Study Guide

SECTION 1 - ELEMENTS

A. DEFINITIONS

1. Element – a pure substance that cannot be broken down into simpler substances by

Physical or chemical means.

a. Each element has a unique set of physical and chemical properties.

b. Elements are grouped into categories based on the properties they share.

c. Elements are classified as metals, nonmetals, or metalloids, based on their properties.

d. An element may share one or two properties with another element but it will not share all its properties with another element.

e. The amount of an element present does not affect the element’s properties.

f. The basic particles of elements are atoms.

2. Pure substance – a substance with only one particle that has definite chemical and

physical properties.

All pure substances, except for elements, can be broken

into simpler substances.

3. Metal – an element that is shiny and that conducts heat and electricity well.

4. Nonmetal – an element that conducts heat and electricity poorly.

5. Metalloid – an element that has properties of both metals and nonmetals are called

semiconductor

B. Elements are grouped into categories based on the properties they share:

Appearance Conductivity Physically Example

Metal

Shiny

Good

malleable., ductile

Lead, Copper

Nonmetal

Dull

Poor

Brittle

Sulfur, oxygen

Metalloid

Some Shiny/

some dull

Some good/

some poor

Somewhat malleable

and ductile

Silicon, boron

C. PROPERTIES OF ELEMENTS

1. Each element has its own characteristic properties- a unique set of properties that

identify an element (it does not matter how much or how little you have) which are classified in:

a. Physical properties – boiling point, melting point, density, color,

texture and hardness.

b. Chemical properties – reactivity with acid and flammability

...