Chemistry Lessons

Summary

Students gain a better understanding of the different types of materials as pure substances and mixtures and learn to distinguish between homogeneous and heterogeneous mixtures by discussing an assortment of example materials they use and encounter in their daily lives.

Element, compound or mixture?

Engineering Connection

Materials scientists and mechanical engineers focus on understanding the nature and properties of varying materials so that they can iterate upon them and create more robust products. They take advantage of the varying strengths and abilities of different materials to make composites with significantly different physical or chemical properties. Understanding the properties of a given material, element, component, or composite is a critical part of the engineering design process.

Learning Objectives

After this activity, students should be able to:

• Distinguish and describe the three types of matter: elements, compounds, mixtures.
• Define pure and impure materials.
• Give some examples of elements, mixtures, and compounds.
• Explain the different properties of each group of materials.
• Explain how chemical engineers use these terms when solving problems related to water purification and distillation of crude oil.
• Explain how material and mechanical engineers use these terms regarding creating new composite materials.
• Explain what metal alloys are and explain the significance of metal alloys in material science and material engineering.
• Give some applications of non-metal alloys.