21.6k views
4 votes
How are the codes (chemical formulas) for pure substances different from those for mixtures?

1 Answer

1 vote

Answer : The chemical formula of pure substances are different from those of mixtures because all the matter that exists on earth can be classified into two categories namely; pure substances and mixtures.

A pure substance always consists of a single element or compound. Example Oxygen is formed only of oxygen (O) atoms; whereas the table salt which is formed only by sodium chloride (NaCl) molecules is a compound which is made up of pure elements. A pure substance cannot be further divided into its components.

A mixture is made up of different compounds and/or elements. It can be easily separated using any physical method. Example, sand, salt and saw dust mixed together as a mixture. Also, it will not have a definite chemical formula.

Please refer the attachment for better understanding.

How are the codes (chemical formulas) for pure substances different from those for-example-1
User Vebjorn Ljosa
by
7.0k points