Atoms, Elements, Compounds

Atoms, Elements, Compounds, Mixtures

Key Ideas

Everything in the known universe is made up of the elements found on the periodic table.

Particle diagrams are used to help explain elements, compounds and mixtures.

Some elements exist as individual atoms, but some bond together to form molecules of atoms of the same element.

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ATOM

The smallest particle of an element. We often think of atoms as tiny spheres, but in fact they are made from smaller particles called protons, neutrons and electrons.

Elements

An element is a pure substance that cannot be broken down into any other substances. An element is made from just one type of atom.

Particle diagrams for elements

Solid Element

Gas Element

Liquid Element

Molecules

Some non-metal elements are made from atoms which are bonded into clusters called molecules. For example, oxygen is a gaseous element made from molecules. A molecule is made up of 2 or more atoms. These can be the same type or different.

Compounds

A compound is a pure substance that is made from more than one element. In a compound, elements are chemically bonded together, which makes it very difficult to separate them.

Mixtures

A mixture is formed when two or more elements or compounds are present without being chemically bonded together. The substances which have been mixed are not present in specific amounts or ratios like they are in a compound, e.g. two hydrogen atoms for each oxygen atom in water. They can be in any combination, e.g. for a mixture of sand and water you could have any amount of sand with any amount of water.

Retrieved from BBC Bitesize, on August 29th, 2023.