Elements,+Mixtures+and+Compounds

Elements, Mixtures and Compounds
Elements Definition of elements: An element is a substance which cannot be split into two or more simpler substances by chemicals. Chemical Names & Symbols Elements are given both a name and also a chemical symbol. For example: Name of element – Zinc Chemical symbol of element – Zn   Periodic Table There are 109 elements discovered so far. 92 of the elements occur naturally while the other 17 elements are man-made. They are classified according to their chemical properties in the periodic table. Elements in the same groups, which are separated in columns, share similar chemical properties while periods, which are divided from left to right, shows a gradual change from metallic to non-metallic properties. For now, we are asked to memorize the names and symbols of the following elements: Aluminum – Al   Zinc – Zn    Copper – Cu    Magnesium – Mg    Mercury – Hg    Iron – Fe    Carbon – C    Sulfur – S    Chlorine – Cl    Nitrogen – N    Iodine – I    Hydrogen – H    Oxygen – O    Mixtures Mixtures are made up by two or more different substances which are mixed together but are not combined chemically. Compounds Compounds consist of two or more different elements that can be separated into simpler substances by chemical reactions. Characteristics of Compounds · A compound has properties different from the properties of its constituent. · When a compound is formed, there is usually an exchange of energy, either in the form of light, heat or both, with its surroundings. · A compound can only be broken down into simpler substances by chemical methods, such as decomposition by heat energy, exposure to light or by passing an electric current through the compound. · The different elements in compounds always join together in a fixed proportion by mass. With that, I have come to the end of explaining Elements, Compounds & Mixtures.

Reflections
I heard my sister said that the periodic table was a fuss to memorise, I felt that I will not be having an easy time trying to learn about elements. However, I was proved wrong as I found it rather easy to memorise the elements' chemical symbols that needed to be memorised for the term test. I thought mixtures and compounds are just another part of mixing elements together. Actually there are different meaning to both terms, mixtures and componds. I have learnt about the definitions of compounds and mixtures and how to differentiate them both.