Question

How Can Matter Be Classified At The Macroscopic Level?

Answer 1

Based on chemical composition matter can either exist as a single substance or as a mixture when two or more substances are mixed.

1. A sample of matter containing only one substance is called a pure substance.
2. A sample of matter containing two or more substances in any proportions is called a mixture.

Classification of Pure Substance

1. A pure substance made up of only one type of atom is called an element. For example Sodium, calcium, etc.
2. A pure substance made up of two or more elements combined chemically in a definite proportion by mass is called a compound. For example Sodium Chloride, Calcium Carbonate, etc.

Classification of Mixture

1. A mixture that is completely uniform in its composition and properties throughout is called a homogeneous mixture. For example, Sodium Chloride is dissolved in water and Kerosene.
2. A mixture that has different compositions and different properties at different points in the mixture is called a heterogeneous mixture. For example, a mixture consisting of oil and water, a mixture of common salt and sulphur.