Summary Sheets: Compounds and Mixtures
Summary Sheets: Compounds and Mixtures
Summary Sheets: Compounds and Mixtures
Summary Sheets
8
G
an atom of
oxygen
another atom
of oxygen
Many compounds exist as atoms attached to each other in small groups molecules.
H
O
A compound always contains the same elements in the same ratio. The chemical formula of a
compound tells you the ratio of atoms of each element that are bonded together. For compounds
that are molecules it tells you the numbers of atoms of each element in a compound. Each
element in the chemical formula is shown by its
chemical symbol. For example:
the symbol
the symbol for
for oxygen
hydrogen
H2O
2 atoms of
hydrogen
Chemical reactions
Compounds can be made to react by mixing them with other chemicals, or by using heat or
electricity. You can tell that a chemical reaction has occurred if there is a colour change or when a
gas is given off.
Page 1 of 2
Exploring Science
M07_ES_AB_Y8_5415_U8G.indd 202
edition
202
28/8/08 12:49:23
8G
Most chemical reactions also involve an energy change. This is usually in the form of heat, for
example in burning (combustion).
In a chemical reaction a new substance is always formed. Most chemical reactions are not easily
reversed (they are irreversible).
Some chemical reactions take place just by mixing substances together. (e.g. when a solid (a
precipitate) forms by mixing two liquids in a precipitation reaction). Other chemical reactions
need energy to start them off. (e.g. when some compounds are broken up, decomposed, by
heat).
8
G
Word equations show what happens in a chemical reaction. The chemicals that you start with are
called the reactants. The chemicals at the end are called the products. For example:
magnesium oxide
magnesium + oxygen
reactants
product
Physical changes
melting
ice
water
freezing
Mixtures
evaporating
steam
condensing
Elements and compounds can also be mixed together. A mixture is easier to separate than the
elements in a compound. Soil, river water and sea water are examples of mixtures that occur
naturally. A pure substance contains a single substance, element or compound, nothing else.
Elements and compounds melt and boil at a fixed temperature. Mixtures do not have definite
melting points and boiling points.
Alloys
Alloys are mixtures of metals with one or more other elements. Alloys have different properties
from the pure metal. Pure gold is too soft for making jewellery. An alloy of gold mixed with other
metals, like copper or silver, is used because it is stronger. The original method used to measure
the purity of gold alloys was the carat system. One carat is 1 part in 24. So pure gold is 24 carats
and 12 carat gold contains 50% gold.
Page 2 of 2
Exploring Science
M07_ES_AB_Y8_5415_U8G.indd 203
edition
203
28/8/08 12:49:24