Basic Concepts of Chemistry

Matter is defined as anything that has mass and occupies space, e.g., water, air, wood, metals, trees, animals etc. Matter can be classified as follows:

A.Physical classification of matter (i.e., solids, liquids and gases)

B. Chemical classification of matter.(i.e. Elements , Compounds and Mixtures)

Element. An element is the simplest form of matter and therefore, can not be split into simpler substances by any chemical or physical method. Elements can be classified as

(a) Metals,          (b) Non-metals and    (c) Metalloids.

Compound. A compound is a pure substance made up of two or more elements combined in a definite proportion. Compounds are homogeneous and have entirely different properties as compared to the individual elements. There are

two types of compounds.