Question

Classify the following substance as element, compound or mixture:

Gunpowder

Answer 1

Element: An element is a pure substance that cannot be split into simpler substances.

Compound: A compound is a pure substance in which elements combine chemically in a fixed composition to give a compound.

Mixture: When two or more substances (elements or compounds or an element and compound) are mixed in any proportion.

Gunpowder can be classified as a mixture.

• Gunpowder is a combination of Carbon$\left(\mathrm{C}\right)$, Sulphur $\left(\mathrm{S}\right)$ and Potassium nitrate$\left({\mathrm{KNO}}_3\right)$.
• As it contains more than one type of constituent particle, therefore it is a mixture.