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Edexcel IGCSE Chemistry · Spec 1.8-1.9

Elements, Compounds & Mixtures

The differences between elements, compounds and mixtures, with examples.

Chemistry revision video

Elements, Compounds & Mixtures

Spec 1.8-1.9

What you need to know

  • Tell the difference between an element, a compound and a mixture
  • Understand what we mean by a pure substance
  • Use melting point as a test for purity

Active recall

Quick check

Answer each question before opening the answer.

Define element, compound and mixture.

Element — one type of atom. Compound — two or more elements chemically bonded together. Mixture — substances that are not chemically joined.

How do the properties of a compound differ from a mixture of the same elements?

A compound has fixed proportions and new properties and is hard to separate; a mixture keeps the properties of its parts and is easily separated.

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