CHEM1001 Worksheet 1: Matter and the Periodic Table
Model 1: Matter
Matter is anything which has mass and occupies space. A substance is matter which has uniform and
constant composition.
An Element is a substance that cannot be decomposed into two or more other substances by either chemical
or physical means. An Atom is the smallest part of an element that can exist alone.
A Compound is a substance that is made of two or more elements bound together chemically in strict and
unchanging composition. A molecule is the smallest part of a compound that can exist alone, ie. two or more
atoms bound together.
A Mixture is composed of two or more substances, the composition of which may vary.
Critical thinking questions
1.
Are the following elements, compounds or mixtures? Why?
- Dry ice
- Salt
- Sea water
- (Pure) gold jewellery
- Coins
- Soup
- Oxygen gas
Model 2: Getting to know The Periodic Table
The Periodic Table lists all the (known) elements, in symbol form. The symbols are derived from their Latin,
English or Greek names.
Critical thinking questions
1.
What are the names of the following elements?
Sn, H, Pb, C, Si, Au.
2.
What are the symbols of the following elements?
Nitrogen, Copper, Tungsten, Arsenic, Neon, Sodium
3.
Find at least five elements on the periodic table names after scientists.
4.
Find at least three elements named after places
5.
Find at least four elements named after ancient mythology.
6.
The sheet overleaf contains two copies of part of the periodic table. What is/are missing?