Importance of Pure Substances

Matter is everything that has a mass and occupies a place within space; from tiny things that can only be seen through the microscope even the largest buildings.

The fundamental "pieces" of matter are atoms, which unite to form pure substances or mixtures. Each pure substance is distinguished by the fact that it possesses specific properties that distinguish it from the others.

On the other hand, the mixtures do not have specific properties and their characteristics They depend on the substances or components that form them.

Knowledge of pure substances allows us to understand elements and compounds

An element is any pure substance that cannot be broken down by chemical methods into other simpler substances. On the other hand, the elements are simple substances, since they are formed by a single type of atoms. Thus, all the atoms of hydrogen They have one electron and a proton in their nucleus.

A compound is also a pure substance, but when broken down by chemical methods it gives rise to two or more elements. For example, through electrolysis we can break down the two elements that make up water.

Many of the things around us are made from some pure substance.

– The common salt that we use to season food is actually sodium chloride and its chemical formula is NaCl. In this case it It is a pure substance, since it is chemically stable, but it is of a compound type, since it is formed from the combination of sodium and chlorine.

– When we breathe we expel carbon dioxide. This gas is a compound formed by oxygen and carbon and when it is manufactured by the floors is in its pure state.

– In the case of graphite, which is used to make pencils and lubricants, this element is a pure substance and is made up only of carbon atoms.

– Benzene or benzol is a hydrocarbon with a very characteristic odor and insoluble in water. It is pure, since the molecules that form it remain stable. Chemically it is a combination of carbon and hydrogen and its general formula is C6H6.

– The nails that we use in daily life are made of iron, a natural and pure mineral, since all the atoms that form it are exactly the same.

– The phosphorus found in our body and in some foods is a pure element that serves to fix calcium to the bones.

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