CLASSIFICATION OF MATTER

Christine Dyan Rioja

De La Salle University-Dasmariñas
Dasmariñas, Cavite Philippines

ABSTRACT

The experiment shows about the different kinds of classification of matter. Matter can be
classified as a pure substance or a mixture. Pure substances have two divisions, elements and
compounds. Elements are made up of only one atom, while compounds are made up of two or
more atoms. Mixtures are consisted of two or more different substances that are physically
combined in various proportions; there are also two types of mixtures, one is heterogeneous
which has two or more phase, and the other one is homogenous which has one phase. There are
several ways in order to separate a mixture; decantation, filtration, evaporation, and extraction
are just some of them.

INTRODUCTION

Matter can be classified either as pure substance or a mixture. A pure substance is any
variety of matter all samples of which have identical composition and properties. Pure substances
may either be elements or compounds. An element is a substance made up of only one kind of
atom. It cannot be transformed into a simpler substance. A compound is a substance composed
of two or more kinds of atoms combined in definite proportions by weight. They can be
decomposed in the elements or into simpler compounds.

Mixtures are materials that varied in composition. When two or more substances that
don’t react chemically combined, a mixture forms. A mixture can be homogenous if no differing
parts can be distinguished, or heterogeneous if they are visible differing parts.

Mixtures can be separated by the following techniques: Decantation, the process of

separating a liquid from a solid by allowing the solid to settle and then the clear liquid is poured
off carefully leaving the solid behind. Filtration is a process of separating a solid from a liquid by
allowing the liquid to pass through a porous medium. Evaporation, the liquid component is boiled
off leaving behind the solid component. Extraction is a process of separating the components of
a mixture by preferentially dissolving one component in suitable solvent.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

For the first experiment, 0.5 g each of iron filings and sulfur were weighed into two watch
glasses. Their physical state, color, and appearance were observed. A magnet was applied and
the effects were observed. The two substances were mixed with the use of mortar and pestle.
The physical state, color, and appearance of the mixture were observed. The effect of the magnet
was tested. The mixture was then transferred into a test tube and was gradually heated to
redness. It was cooled and placed on a watch glass. The physical state, color, and appearance of
the heated mixture were observed. The effect of magnet was again tested.
 For the second experiment, 2 g of sodium chloride were weighed into a 100 mL beaker.
The physical state, color, and appearance of sodium chloride were observed. 20 mL distilled
water were measured with the use of a graduated cylinder. The physical state, color, and
appearance of water were observed. Distilled water was poured into a beaker that contained
sodium chloride, it was then stirred. The resulting solution was poured in an evaporating dish, and
was evaporated to dryness. The physical state, color, and appearance of the residue were
observed.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

In this experiment, we are able to observe the different classifications of matter

distinguish the differences in the properties of elements, compounds, and mixtures. We are also
able to demonstrate some methods of separating components of mixtures.

REFERENCES

(1) Lontok, B.M.; Montessa D.V. A Laboratory Manual in General Chemistry 3rd edition.
(2) Sackheim, G.L. Chemistry for the Health Sciences 8th edition.
(3) Silberberg, M.H. Chemistry 4th edition.