Elements, Compounds and Mixtures

• Element


  • an element is a pure substance which cannot be broken down by chemical means
• Compound


  • a compound is a pure substance that contains one or more elements chemically bonded together in a fixed ratio
  • has different appearance and properties from the elements it is made up of
  • can be broken down into its constituent elements by chemical means such as thermal decomposition and electrolysis
• Mixture


  • a mixture is formed when two or more substances are mixed together without being chemically bonded
  • the constituents of a mixture are not in a fixed ratio
  • can be separated through physical means