Multiple Choice
Which statement best describes the difference between elements and compounds?
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1. Intro to General Chemistry
Classification of Matter
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Which of the following best describes the difference between a mixture and a pure substance?
A
A mixture can only be separated by chemical means, while a pure substance can be separated by physical means.
B
A mixture contains two or more substances physically combined, while a pure substance has a fixed composition and distinct properties.
C
A mixture has a uniform composition throughout, while a pure substance does not.
D
A pure substance always consists of molecules, while a mixture always consists of atoms.
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the definitions: A pure substance has a fixed composition and distinct properties, meaning it is made of only one type of particle (element or compound).
Recognize that a mixture contains two or more substances physically combined, which means the components retain their individual properties and can vary in proportion.
Recall that mixtures can be separated by physical means (like filtration, distillation), whereas pure substances require chemical methods to break down into simpler substances.
Note that uniform composition throughout describes a homogeneous mixture, but not all mixtures are homogeneous, so this is not a defining difference.
Understand that pure substances can be elements or compounds (which may be molecules or atoms), and mixtures can contain both atoms and molecules, so this statement is incorrect.
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