Chemistry is fundamentally the study of matter and the transformations it undergoes, with the atom serving as its basic functional unit. Matter is defined as anything that occupies space and possesses mass. It can be categorized into three primary types: elements, compounds, and mixtures.
The first type, elements, represents the simplest form of matter, consisting of only one kind of atom. Elements are prominently featured in the periodic table, which organizes all known elements based on their atomic number and properties.
The second type, compounds, is formed when two or more different elements are chemically bonded together. This chemical bonding results in a substance with unique properties that differ from the individual elements that compose it.
Lastly, we have mixtures, which consist of two or more elements and/or compounds that are physically combined but not chemically bonded. The components of a mixture retain their individual properties and can often be separated by physical means.
Understanding these classifications of matter is essential as we delve deeper into the principles of chemistry and explore how these different types interact and transform.