Introduction to Matter and Separation Techniques - Chemistry (Senior Secondary)

This course provides a complete introduction to the classification of matter. It covers the fundamental distinction between elements, compounds, and mixtures, and the physical and chemical changes matter undergoes. The course culminates in a practical survey of the standard laboratory techniques used to separate mixtures based on the physical properties of their components. An understanding of these concepts is essential for all practical chemistry. It provides the framework for classifying substances and the hands-on skills required to purify them. These techniques are used daily in research, industrial quality control, and environmental analysis to isolate and identify chemical substances. By the end of this course, you will be able to differentiate between elements, compounds, and mixtures, distinguish between physical and chemical changes, and describe the principles behind standard separation techniques, including filtration, evaporation, distillation, sublimation, and chromatography. This course is designed for senior secondary students (SSS 1) and serves as the bridge between the theoretical introduction to chemistry and the study of its particulate nature. It provides the essential practical and conceptual knowledge required for all subsequent laboratory work.

Enrolment valid for 12 months

Course Chapters

1. Introduction
2
This chapter sets the stage for our study of matter. It outlines the course structure and objectives before establishing the formal scientific definition of matter itself, the physical basis of all chemistry. Key objectives: understanding the course's scope and learning outcomes; and defining matter as any substance possessing mass and occupying space.
Concept Overviews
2 Lessons
2. Classifying Matter
3
This chapter covers the fundamental classification of matter. It provides the precise definitions needed to distinguish between pure substances (elements and compounds) and impure substances (mixtures). Key topics include the formal definitions of elements, compounds, and mixtures, and the fixed versus variable composition that differentiates them.
Concept Overviews
3 Lessons
3. Changes in Matter
2
1
This chapter details the two ways matter can be altered: physically and chemically. A correct understanding of this distinction is critical for interpreting laboratory observations and chemical reactions. Key topics are the definitions of physical and chemical changes. The core difference is whether the chemical identity of the substance is altered during the process.
Concept Overviews
2 Lessons
Problem Walkthroughs
1 Lesson
4. Separation Techniques I
5
4
This chapter covers standard laboratory techniques for separating mixtures based on differences in physical properties. These procedures are fundamental to all practical and analytical chemistry. Key techniques include filtration, evaporation, simple and fractional distillation, and the use of a separating funnel. Worked examples show the application of each technique.
Concept Overviews
5 Lessons
Problem Walkthroughs
4 Lessons
5. Separation Techniques II
3
4
This chapter covers additional common laboratory techniques for separating and purifying substances. These methods rely on specific physical properties like sublimation and differential solubility. Key techniques covered are sublimation, chromatography, and crystallisation. Worked examples demonstrate the application of each technique in a laboratory setting.
Concept Overviews
3 Lessons
Problem Walkthroughs
4 Lessons
6. Conclusion
2
This chapter consolidates the core concepts of the course. It provides a structured summary of the classification of matter and the standard techniques for its separation and purification. The conclusion summarises the key definitions and practical techniques. It also provides a forward look to the next course on the particulate nature of matter.
Concept Overviews
2 Lessons