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Elemental Composition of Pure Substances

Ethan Taylor

Ethan Taylor

8 min read

Next Topic - Composition of Mixtures

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Study Guide Overview

This study guide covers states of matter (solids, liquids, and gases) and their properties. It also explains how to classify matter by composition as pure substances (elements and compounds) or mixtures. The guide further details the Law of Definite Proportions, formula units, and calculating empirical formulas from percent composition. Several practice questions and examples are included.

#AP Chemistry Study Guide: Matter, Composition, and Formulas

Welcome to your ultimate AP Chemistry review! This guide is designed to help you feel confident and prepared for your exam. Let's dive in!

#States of Matter and Their Properties

Key Concept

Matter is anything that has mass and takes up space. It exists in different states, each with unique properties. Understanding these states is fundamental to grasping chemical concepts.

# 🧊 Solids

  • Fixed shape and volume
  • Particles are densely packed with strong bonds
  • Particles vibrate in place

Solid State

Solids maintain a defined shape and volume due to their tightly packed particles.

# 💧 Liquids

  • Fixed volume, but no fixed shape (takes the shape of its container)
  • Particles are less tightly packed than solids, allowing them to flow

Liquid State

Liquids adapt to the shape of their container while maintaining a constant volume.

# ♨️ Gases

  • No fixed shape or volume (expands to fill its container)
  • Particles are very spread out and in constant, random motion

Gaseous State

Gases have neither a definite shape nor volume, with particles moving freely.

Exam Tip

Remember the key differences in particle arrangement and movement for each state. This is crucial for understanding phase changes and gas laws!

#Classifying Matter by Composition

Key Concept

Matter can be classified as either a pure substance or a mixture. This distinction is based on the uniformity of composition.

#Pure Substances

  • Composed of a single type of atom or molecule
  • Compos...
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Previous Topic - Mass Spectroscopy of ElementsNext Topic - Composition of Mixtures

Question 1 of 8

A substance has a definite volume but takes the shape of its container. Which state of matter is it? 🧊

Solid

Liquid

Gas

Plasma