Building Blocks Flashcards
(12 cards)
What are the tiny building blocks of all matter?
Atoms
Atoms combine in many different ways to form both simple and complex substances.
Define an element.
A substance made of only one kind of atom
Elements cannot be broken down into simpler substances.
How many known elements are there?
118
Each element has its own one- or two-letter symbol.
What is the symbol for gold?
Au
The symbol Au is derived from the Latin word ‘aurum’.
What types of elements can be found in nature?
Common and rare elements
Elements like iron, copper, and tin can be mined; others like oxygen and nitrogen are found in the air.
What percentage of known elements are created in laboratories?
24
These elements do not exist naturally.
Where were most elements first formed?
Inside distant stars
This occurred billions of years ago.
What are molecules?
Groups of atoms linked together
The connections between atoms are called bonds.
What does a molecule of an element contain?
Only one type of atom
Example: O₂ for oxygen.
What are compounds?
Molecules with two or more different types of atoms
Example: H₂O for water.
Can molecules be large?
Yes, some can contain hundreds, thousands, or millions of atoms.
What are mixtures?
Substances made of elements and molecules combined but not chemically bonded
Mixtures can be separated into their different parts.
