Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
A pure substance is material made up of only one type of particle (either an element or compound) with consistent physical and chemical properties throughout.
These are pure substances composed of two or more different elements chemically combined in fixed ratios. Like having bags with equal numbers of red and blue marbles mixed together.
Mixtures: Unlike pure substances, mixtures consist of two or more substances physically combined but not chemically. It's like having bags with different amounts and colors of marbles mixed together randomly.
These are mixtures where the components form a uniform composition throughout. Like if you had an evenly mixed bag containing half red marbles and half blue ones.