Table of Contents
How can elements be broken down into simpler substances?
.All matter is composed of one or more substances (elements and/or compounds); compounds can be broken down into simpler substances: elements cannot be broken down chemically. II. All matter is composed of tiny particles, called atoms. Atoms of different elements are different. All atoms of one element are basically alike.
How are the components of a compound separated?
The two or more component elements of a compound can be separated through chemical reactions. Chemical compounds have a unique and defined structure, which consists of a fixed ratio of atoms held together in a defined spatial arrangement by chemical bonds.
Can a pure substance contain only one kind of atom?
A pure substance containing only one kind of ATOM. An element is always uniform all the way through (homogeneous). An element CANNOT be separated into simpler materials (except during nuclear reactions). Over 100 existing elements are listed and classified on the PERIODIC TABLE.
What do you need to break down an atom?
If you want to break down an atom, you have to knock a proton out of nucleus or add a proton to the nucleus. This takes a tremendous amount of energy (think nuclear bomb type of energy) and the process is called fission and/or nuclear physics.
Where does the decomposition of organic materials take place?
Aerobic Decomposition. When organic materials decompose in the presence of oxygen, the process is called “aerobic.” The aerobic process is most common in nature. For example, it takes place on ground surfaces such as the forest floor, where droppings from trees and animals are converted into a relatively stable humus.
How are organic compounds broken down by living organisms?
Organic compounds break down by the action of living organisms that do not require air in the normal sense. These organisms use nitrogen, phosphorus, and other nutrients to live and to develop cell protoplasm, but they reduce the organic nitrogen to organic acids and ammonia.
Where is the carbon liberated in the decomposition process?
The carbon from the organic compounds which is not utilized in the cell protein is liberated mainly in the reduced form of methane (CH 4 ). A small portion of carbon may be respired as carbon dioxide (C0 2 ).