Classifying Matter

Matter is made up of particles called atoms. Atoms make up everything, including molecules, which are made up of two or more different elements. Matter can be classified based on what makes it up, it is either an element, a compound, or a mixture. A compound is considered a pure substance. Compounds is a substance made up of atoms of different elements that are chemically combined. When elements combine to form a compound, they always combine in the same ratio meaning they can be separated both physically and chemically. An element is also considered a pure substance because it can not be separated or broken down into simpler substances. Elements and compounds differ from mixtures. A mixture is a combination of two or more pure substances that are not chemically combined. The opposite of a element or compound, a matter that has a fixed composition and definite properties.