Pure Substances
The Particles That Make Up Pure Substances
Let’s Talk Science
We already talked about particles in matter. Maybe we could go a bit deeper today?
Great idea. This is where chemistry starts to get really interesting.
I already think chemistry is fun. Especially when I talk about it with you.
Well... yeah. I mean... biology is fascinating... Glad you like chemistry too.
Mark, we’re talking about chemistry :D. Stay focused. Today’s topic is pure substances.
Mark: Right! Pure substances. I like how you remembered the particles first, because it's easy to understand pure substances as substances made of only one kind of particle.
Sara: So if I have a necklace made of pure gold, that means it only contains gold particles, which are atoms, right?
Mark: Exactly. And if there are any other atoms mixed in, then it’s no longer a pure substance.
Sara: What do we call substances that aren’t pure?
Mark: We call them mixtures, and we’ll talk about them in one of our next lessons.
Sara: That was easy. One type of particle = pure substance. More than one type = mixture.
Mark: Exactly. Now, what do you think: are there more pure substances or mixtures around us?
Sara: Probably more mixtures, since particles are always moving and mixing with each other.
Mark: You're right. It's actually pretty hard to find a truly pure substance in nature.
Sara: Yeah, but chemists have come up with cool ways to separate and purify mixtures to get pure substances.
Mark: You already know everything!
Sara: I do — but it’s more fun learning with you.
Key Science Concepts
Let’s wrap it up with some clear definitions!
- Pure substance
- A substance made up of only one kind of particle.
- Mixture
- A substance that contains two or more different types of particles mixed together.
Science Fun Fact
Gold is one of the rare substances that can be found in nature almost completely pure!
Gold – A Pure Substance That Drove Entire Nations
Gold is often found in nature as a pure substance — in shiny pieces called nuggets.
Throughout history, people have set off on long expeditions just to search for gold!
In the 1800s, the famous Gold Rushes took place in California, Australia, and Alaska. Thousands left their homes, hoping to find gold and change their lives.
One popular method was panning for gold — people would stand in cold rivers and swirl sand in shallow pans, hoping to spot tiny shiny flakes of pure gold.
Today we know that gold is not only beautiful but also chemically very special. It doesn't easily react with other substances, doesn't rust or tarnish — making it a perfect example of a pure substance.
Mini Science Quiz
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