SKILL FOCUS

Investigation 1.3 Performing and recording

Analyzing and interpreting

Classification of Matter Instructions

All matter can be classified: Mixture or Pure
Substance. A pure substance can be classified
as either element or compound. A mixture can
be classified as either a mechanical mixture
(heterogeneous mixture) or solution
(homogeneous mixture)
Problem
How can samples of matter be classified?
How can mixtures be separated?
Materials
18 samples of matter
Procedure
1. Begin at one of the 18 stations. Make careful
observations of the contents of each of the
sealed jars. DO NOT shake or attempt to
open the lid.
You will have 2 to 3 minutes per station
2. Record your observations in the table
provided by your teacher.
a) Contents
- Write the name of the substance
Mechanical Mixture (impure, >1 phases)
Analysis
Answer the following questions on the answer
sheet provided by your teacher
1. Use your observations and list two similarities
and two differences between:
a) elements and compounds
b) compounds and solutions
c) solutions and mixtures
2. Choose one sample of matter that you have
identified as a solution and clearly (step by
step) describe a method of separation.
3. Choose one sample of matter that you have
identified as a mechanical mixture and
clearly (step by step) describe a method of
separation.

b) Brief Description
- Use four observations for each solid, use
three for liquids and gases

c) State(s) of matter
- Solid, liquid or gas

d) Number of phases
- Appears as one substance – 1 phase;
Appears as two substances – 2 phases

e) Homogeneous or Heterogeneous
- Homogeneous – 1 phase;
Heterogeneous – 2 or more phases

f) Pure or Impure
- Pure - one formula;
Impure – a “,” or “+” on the list of
formulas
g) Name of atoms present
- Name the elements

h) Type of substance
- Element (1 element, pure, 1 phase)
Compound (>1 element, pure, 1 phase)
Solution (impure, 1 phase)