Chemistry Notes

CHEMICAL EARTH AND METALS

Chemical Earth
Identify the difference between elements, compounds and mixtures in terms of the
particle theory.
The kinetic theory of matter (particle theory) says that all matter consists of many, very
small particles which are constantly moving or in a continual state of motion. The degree
to which the particles move is determined by the amount of energy they have and their
relationship to other particles.

We can further classify these particles:

Elements:

- Pure substances
- ONE type of atom
- Cannot be broken down further through chemical means (Physical breakdown of
atoms is possible through a particle accelerator. Collisions f atoms at high speeds
cause energy to be released.)
- E.g. Iron (Fe)

Compounds:

- Pure substance
- A combination of elements in fixed ratios
- Can be decomposed to its constituents by chemical but not physical methods
- Compounds have different properties that the elements they are composed of
- E.g. Aluminium Oxide (Al2O3), Sodium carbonate (Na2CO3), Salt (NaCl), Water
(H2O)

Mixtures:

- Impure substances
- Most things on Earth exist as mixtures
- Can be separated by physical methods
- Has the properties of substances it is composed of
- Can be heterogenous or homogenous
o Homogenous: has a uniform composition, looks consistent, e.g. Chocolate
Milk, orange juice
o Heterogenous: does not have a uniform composition, looks inconsistent,
e.g. fruit salad, sand

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Identify that the biosphere, lithosphere, hydrosphere and atmosphere contain
examples of mixtures of elements and compounds.
The Earth can be thought of as a giant mixture of chemical elements and compounds.

We can classify the Earth into four district spheres: the biosphere, lithosphere,
hydrosphere and atmosphere.

- Note: these spheres may overlap and are not strictly, concentric

Atmosphere: Mixture of all the gases on Earth

Hydrosphere: All the water on Earth

Lithosphere: The Earths crust and upper mantle

Biosphere: All life on Earth

Sphere What is present State Elements and

inside sphere Compunds present
Atmosphere Outer layer of gases Gaseous Air mixture
surrounding the
Earth to around
100-300km high
Hydrosphere Includes ocean Liquid,
water, rivers, lakes, Solid,
ground water, Gas
glaciers
Lithosphere Includes mixtures Solid,
of rocks, sand, soil, Molten
ores, oil, gas (Liquid)
Biosphere Living matter such Solid,
as plants, algae, Aqueous
bacteria, people,
animals, etc.

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