Future Generation Philippine International School
Intermediate Department – School Year 2024 - 2025
Grade 6 – Science – First Quarter - Lecture 2
Lesson 2 – Elements and Compounds
Solids, liquids, and gases are made of tiny particles called atoms and molecules.
Element or chemical element - is a material that cannot be broken down into anything simpler by chemical
reactions or means
Note: Although elements aren't changed by chemical reactions, new elements may be formed by nuclear
reactions.
Chemistry - is the study of the structures, physical properties, and chemical properties of material
substances.
Note: It is very important to understand that all gases, liquids and solids are not the same. All are different in
terms of their composition. This is the reason why the classification of the matter is very important.
Classification of Matter
1. Elements
2. Compounds
3. Mixtures
Three important properties of element:
1. The state of matter at room temperature
2. The way they combine with other elements
3. Whether they are metals, non-metals, and metalloids
What are the Elements?
We can define elements as a species of atoms that have the same number of protons in their atomic
nuclei. Although an element’s atoms have the same number of protons, they can have different
numbers of neutrons and hence different masses.
Elements are complete chemical substances which relate to a single entry in the modern periodic table.
Elements consist of one kind of atom only. They cannot be broken down into simpler fragments
and can exist as atoms or as molecules.
Isotopes - are atoms of the same element that have the same numbers of protons and electrons but different
numbers of neutrons.
Stable isotopes - are non-radioactive forms of atoms. Although they do not emit radiation, their unique
properties enable them to be used in a broad variety of applications, including water and soil
management, environmental studies, nutrition assessment studies and forensics.
Radioisotopes or unstable isotopes - do remit radiation
118 elements - total number of elements in the Periodic Table of Elements
Around 94 elements - naturally occurring or naturally available elements
Note: The naturally occurring elements are 1 - 92 except Technetium (43) and promethium (61).
Means there are only 90 naturally occurring elements available in the periodic table.
The naturally occurring elements include noble gases, some of them are metals and some of them
are non-metals.
Technetium and promethium - elements are synthesized from uranium and are called synthetic.
24 elements - synthetic elements or artificial elements
Unumbium is an element that scientist created in 1976
Arrangement of elements in the Periodic Table of Elements
Groups - also known as families; it is a vertical column on the periodic table because of their similar
chemical behaviour. (18 groups)
Note: All the members of a family of elements have the same number of valence electrons and similar
chemical properties.
Periods - is the horizontal rows on the periodic table (7 periods)
Groups of metals:
1. Alkali metals - Group 1 - from Lithium to Francium
2. Alkaline earth metals - Group 2 - from Beryllium to Radium
3. Transition metals - Groups 3 to 12 - from Scandium to Hassium (109 to 112 not included)
4. Lanthanides - period 6 from 57 to 71 elements
5. Actinides - period 7 from 89 to 103 elements
6. Post transition metals - Group 13 - from Aluminium to Bismuth
Group of non - metals
1. Reactive metals or other metals - from Hydrogen, carbon to Selenium - first element of group
14, two elements from group 15 and three elements from group 14
2. Halogens - Group 17 - from Fluorine to Tennessine
3. Noble gases - Group 18 - Helium to Oganesson
Metalloids - Boron, Silicon, Germanium, Arsenic, Antimony, Telerium, Polonium
Atoms - are the basic units of matter and the defining structure of elements. The term "atom" comes from
the Greek word for indivisible, because it was once thought that atoms were the smallest things in the
universe and could not be divided.
Structure of an Atom
Atomic structure - refers to the structure of an atom comprising the nucleus, neutrons, protons, and
electrons.
Nucleus - center of an atomic structure
Protons - positively charged particles
Neutrons - neutral, no charged particles
Note: The protons and neutrons make up the
nucleus of the atom, which is surrounded
by the electrons belonging to the atom.
Electrons - revolve around the nucleus; known as
the negatively charged particles
Electrons in an atom are grouped around the
nucleus into shells.
Shell (electron) - is a grouping of electrons in an
atom according to energy
1st shell - 2 electrons
2nd shell - 8 electrons
3rd shell - 18 electrons
4th shell - 32 electrons
5th shell - 50 electrons
6th shell - 72 electrons
Subshell (electron) - is a grouping of electrons in a shell according to the shape of the region of space they
occupy
Orbital - is a region of space within an atom where an electron in a given subshell can be found.
Atomic number - describes the total number of protons in its nucleus.
Illustrations of atom, molecules, and compounds
Compounds – are chemical substances made up of two or more elements that are chemically bound together
in a fixed ratio; have properties that are different from the elements that form them
Element - contains one kind of
atom
Compound - contains two or more
kinds of atoms
Note: When the elements come together, they react with each other and form chemical bonds that are
difficult to break. These bonds form as a result of sharing or exchanging electrons between atoms.
When the elements combine, some individual property of the elements is lost and the newly
formed compound has new properties.
Name and chemical formula - identifies a compound. The formula reflects the compound's elemental
makeup. It includes the chemical symbol for each element in the compound, and the number of
atoms for that element if there's more than one.
Chemical name - use the names of the elements; often the name of the second element changes the last part
of the name
Example: NH3 = Nitrogen + Hydrogen Ammonia
1 atom of Nitrogen, 3 atoms of Hydrogen
Na3PO4 = Nitrogen + Phosphorous + Oxygen Sodium phosphate
3 atoms of Sodium, 1 atom of Phosphorous, 4 atoms of Oxygen
NaCl = Sodium + Chlorine Sodium Chloride
1 atom of Sodium, 1 atom of Chlorine
Fe2O3 = Iron + Oxygen Iron oxide
2 atoms of Iron, 3 atoms of Oxygen
CO2 = Carbon + Oxygen Carbon dioxide
1 atom of Carbon, 2 atoms of Oxygen
CH3COOH = Carbon + Hydrogen + Oxygen Acetic Acid
2 atoms of Carbon, 4 atoms of Hydrogen, 2 atoms of Oxygen
C2H5OH = Carbon + Hydrogen + Oxygen Ethanol
2 atoms of Carbon, 6 atoms of Hydrogen, 1 atom of Oxygen
C6H12O6 = Carbon + Hydrogen + Oxygen Fructose
6 atoms of Carbon, 12 atoms of Hydrogen, 6 atoms of Oxygen
Chemical Equations - keeps track of what substances are used and in what ratio
Hydrogen + Oxygen water
Hydrogen reacts with oxygen to make water
Hydrogen and oxygen both exist as diatomic molecules; we can rewrite our chemical change as
H2 + O2 H2 O - incomplete chemical equation
In chemical equations, the number of atoms of each element in the reactants must be the same as the
number of atoms of each element in the products.
If we count the number of hydrogen atoms in the reactants and products, we find two hydrogen atoms. But
if we count the number of oxygen atoms in the reactants and products, we find that there are two
oxygen atoms in the reactants but only one oxygen atom in the products.
So, the chemical equation is not balanced; change the number of molecules that react or are produced. We
do this one element at a time, going from one side of the reaction to the other, changing the number
of molecules of a substance until all elements have the same number of atoms on each side.
H2 + O2 → 2H2O
The 2 in front of the formula for water is called a coefficient. Now there is the same number of oxygen
atoms in the reactants as there are in the product.
But in satisfying the need for the same number of oxygen atoms on both sides of the reaction, we have also
changed the number of hydrogen atoms on the product side, so the number of hydrogen atoms is no
longer equal. Simply go back to the reactant side of the equation and add a coefficient in front of the
H2. The coefficient that works is 2:
2H2 + O2 → 2H2O - balanced chemical equation
reactants products
Baking soda and vinegar
NaHCO3 + HC2H3O2 H2O + CO2 + NaC2H3O2
reactants products
Sodium Bicarbonate + Acetic acid water + Carbon dioxide + Sodium Acetate
Check for equilibrium (balanced equation)
Na = 1 Na = 1
H = 1+1+3 = 5 H = 2+3 = 5
C = 1+2 = 3 C = 1+2 = 3
O = 3+2 = 5 O = 1+2+2 = 5
Number in front of the formula - tells how many of those molecules are used; coefficient is a number
placed in front of a formula to balance a chemical equation.
Reactants - the chemicals on the left side of a chemical formula
Products - the chemicals on the right side of a chemical formula
Balanced equation - when the reactants and products of a chemical equation have the same number of
atoms of all elements present
The law of conservation of mass states that
“The mass in an isolated system can neither be created nor be destroyed but can be
transformed from one form to another”.
- The total mass of the reactants equals the total mass of the products in a chemical reaction.
Note: Chemical equations are similar to mathematical equations; that chemical changes are reversible, or
they can be undone.
What happens if a chemical equation is not balanced?
If a chemical equation is not balanced, it will violate the law of conservation of mass. It will indicate that
either mass is created or destroyed.
What is the use of chemical equations?
The chemical equation tells us about the reacting species and resulting product. The coefficient of the
reacting species and resulting products tell us about the mole ratio or molecular ratio of the
elements or compounds in the reaction.
Examples:
___ H3PO4 + _3__ KOH ___ K3PO4 + _3__ H2O
reactants products
H= 3x1=3 H= 2x3=6 H=6
1x3=3 H=6
P= 1 P=1 P= 1 P=1
O= 4x1=4 O= 4
1x3=3 O=7 1x3=3 O=7
K= 1x3=3 K=3 K= 3 K=3
_2_ H3PO4 + _3__ Mg (OH)2 ___ Mg3(PO4)2 + _6__ H2O
reactants products
H= 3x2=6 H= 2 x 6 = 12 H = 12
2x3=6 H = 12
P= 1x2=2 P=2 P= 2 P=2
O= 4x2=8 O= 4x2=8
2x3=6 O = 14 1x6=6 O = 14
Mg = 1 x 3 = 3 Mg = 3 Mg = 3 Mg = 3
Mixture:
A mixture can involve two or more substances of the same phase or different phases. For example, you
can mix water and sand (liquid and solid), sugar and salt (solid and solid), water and oil (liquid
and liquid) or nitrogen and oxygen (gas and gas).
Note: Clearly, mixtures can vary a lot and can be homogeneous or heterogeneous.
General Properties of Mixtures
Mixtures are made up of two or more substances that are not chemically combined with each other. The
properties of mixtures are listed below.
● The components of a mixture each keep their original properties.
● The separation of components can be easily done.
● The proportion of the components is variable.
Types of Mixtures
Based on their composition, they can be divided into two types:
● Homogeneous
● Heterogeneous
1. Homogeneous mixtures - having a uniform composition throughout their bodies
Examples: salt and water, a mixture of sugar and water, air, lemonade, soda water
Properties of Homogeneous mixtures
● All solutions are examples of a homogeneous mixture.
● The particles in such a case are less the one nanometer.
● They do not show a Tyndall effect.
● You cannot differentiate the boundaries of particles.
● You cannot separate the constituent particles here using centrifugation or decantation.
● Alloys are examples of a solution.
2. Heterogeneous mixture - mixtures lacking a uniform composition throughout
Examples: soil and sand, sulfur and iron filings, oil and water
Properties of Heterogeneous mixtures
● Most of the mixtures are heterogeneous except solutions and alloys.
● The constituent particles are present uniformly here.
● You can identify the components easily.
● Generally, two or more phases are present in a heterogeneous mixture.
● The size of the particles here is between one nanometer and one micrometer.
● They show a Tyndall effect.
Forms of Mixtures:
1. Solution - is a homogeneous mixture that contains different components but their particles are too small
to be seen
Note: A simple solution is basically two substances that are evenly mixed together.
Solute - is the substance that is being dissolved and is usually present in a small amount
Solvent - is a substance that dissolves the solute and is usually present in larger amount
Water - universal solvent
Note: Usually gases form solutions easier than liquids, which form solutions easier than solids
Alloy - is a solution of a metal and another solid (often another metal)
Stainless steel - is a strong alloy that does not rust
Humid air - solution of water vapor in air; when condenses forms clouds
Solubility - is the ability of a substance to dissolve in a solvent
Saturated Solution - when a solution of a liquid and solid has enough of the solid and it cannot take any
more solid
On the other hand, when more solid can be dissolved in the given solution; it is called unsaturated solution.
2. Suspension - consists of particles that do not dissolve in a liquid solution; large enough to see; initially
scattered throughout the liquid
Examples of Suspension
Some common examples of suspension are
1. Muddy water
2. Milk of magnesia
3. Sand particles suspended in water
4. Flour in water
5. Slaked lime for whitewashing
6. Paints in which dyes are suspended in turpentine oil.
3. Colloids - mixtures whose particles are larger than the size of the particles in the solution and smaller than
the particles of the suspension
Two components of colloid:
1. Colloidal or dispersed particles - particles that are spread out throughout the mixture
2. Dispersing medium - substance in which the colloidal particles are distributed; always greater in
quantity than the dispersed particle
Note: Colloid - are used in daily life. Medicines in colloidal form are more effective because they are easily
absorbed by the body tissues
How important colloid is?
Colloids are also important in producing acid rain; Cloud consists of charged particles of water dispersed in
air. A chemical substance that contains oppositely charged particles are sprayed to the cloud to
neutralize the charged particles over a cloud. The neutralized particles of water combine to form
large water drops which cause clouds to become heavy enough to induce rainfall.
Examples of Colloid Mixtures:
1. Smoke 4. Jellies 7. Salad dressing 10. Mayonnaise
2. Gelatin 5. Whipped cream 8. Ice cream
3. Milk 6. Marshmallow 9. Blood
Emulsion - are the mixtures of two or more types of liquids where, one is such as droplets of tiny or even
ultramicroscopic size, which are distributed throughout each other. These are usually formed from
the component of liquids either in natural form or, more often, using mechanisms, such as agitation,
provided that these fluids mixed have no kind of mutual solubility.
Methods of separating mixture
Can all components of matter be separated?
In pure substances like elements cannot be further separated into simpler substances
In compound, the elements are chemically combined and cannot be separated physically.
Compounds are made of atoms of two or more elements joined chemically.
Physical means of separating mixtures
1. Sedimentation - is a process that allows the sediments (solid particles) to settle at the bottom of a
container
After the particles have settled, the clear liquid (called supernatant liquid) is carefully poured into
another container without disturbing the sediments.
2. Decantation - is defined as the separation process in which
two immiscible liquids are separated. This is done
by pouring out the clear upper layer of liquid.
3. Filtration - is the process of separating solid
components from a liquid to gas components
using a filter or filtering liquid
Note: For sedimentation example; muddy water contains soil and sand in water. Soil and sand; being
insoluble in water; settle down at bottom if water is allowed to stand for some time
Filter paper - filtering medium that lined in the inner surface of the funnel
Residue - the solid particles remain on the filter paper
Filtrate - clear liquid that passes through the filter paper and is collected in another container
Filtration is used in the proper maintenance of air - conditioners and engine of motor vehicles
How useful sedimentation, decantation, and filtration in the life of people?
They help people in water purification. Water that is taken directly from the source contains
impurities such as harmful microorganisms, dissolved and undissolved substances that make unfit for
drinking.
4. Evaporation - the process of conversion of water into its vapour.
Condensation - the process of conversation of water vapour into its liquid
Evaporation and condensation are used for separating a soluble solid from water.
For example: salt can be separated from a solution of salt and water; by using the combination of
evaporation and condensation.
Separating Liquids
5. Distillation - is the process of separating liquids
by using evaporation and condensation.
6. Chromatography - is a process where a
liquid travels through special
chromatography paper and carries
small substances with; it bands of
color appear on the paper as the
substances separate
7. Handpicking: It is the simplest method of separation of
substances.
This method is used only when unwanted material is in
small quantity. Moreover, shape, size, or color of the
unwanted material is different from that of the useful
materials.
For example; pebbles, broken grains and insects are
separated from rice, wheat and pulses;
8. Mechanical Separation (often by hand) takes advantage of
physical properties such as color and shape.
Examples: Recycling paper, plastic, and metal
9. Threshing - is used for separating seeds from the harvested stalks.
● Manual Threshing: When the quantity is small, threshing is
done manually. Small bundles of the harvested stalks are
thrashed on a hard surface. This helps in separating the grains.
● Threshing by Animals: For larger quantities, threshing is done in the
traditional way; by using animals. For this, stalks are spread around a pole.
Several bullocks are tied to the pole and are made to walk over the harvested
stalks. Trampling by hooves of the animals helps in separating
grains.
● Threshing Machine: Now-a-days, threshing
machines are used for the purpose. It can be
powered by either a diesel engine or an electric
motor. It helps in saving time and labor.
10. Winnowing - the process of separation of lighter
particles from heavier particles; with the help of
wind
This method is used for separating grains from husk.
Farmers drop the mixture of wheat and husk from a
height. The husk is carried by the wind and form a heap at
a small distance away. The wheat grains being heavier fall
vertically to form a separate heap.
11. Sieving- also known as sifting - method of separating finer
particles from bigger particles by using a sieve or strainer
12. Magnetic Separation - takes advantage of the physical
property of magnetism.
Magnetism - is ideal for separating mixtures of two solids with one
part having magnetic properties. Some metals like iron, nickel
and cobalt have magnetic properties whiles gold, silver and
aluminum do not. Magnetic elements are attracted to a magnet.
