Can You Identify Which Particle Diagram Is a Mixture?
Spot mixtures, pure substances, or xenon samples in these particle diagrams - dive in!
Use this free quiz to figure out which particle diagram represents a mixture, which shows a pure substance, and which shows xenon at STP. You'll also spot mixtures of diatomic elements and one substance in the gas phase, and review solutions and mixtures and classification of matter so you can check gaps before a test.
Study Outcomes
- Identify mixtures in diagrams -
Analyze particle arrangements to determine which particle diagram represents a mixture of substances.
- Distinguish a single pure substance -
Recognize which particle diagram represents one pure substance only by evaluating uniformity and composition.
- Recognize a xenon sample at STP -
Apply knowledge of standard temperature and pressure to identify which particle diagram represents a sample of xenon at STP.
- Detect gas-phase substances -
Interpret particle spacing and behavior to decide which particle diagram represents one substance in the gas phase.
- Analyze diatomic element mixtures -
Select which two particle diagrams represent mixtures of diatomic elements by observing molecular pairings.
- Apply critical thinking to chemistry quizzes -
Combine conceptual understanding and analytical skills to accurately answer quiz questions and reinforce key chemistry principles.
Cheat Sheet
- Mixture vs. Pure Substance -
When a diagram shows more than one type of particle (different colors or shapes), it represents a mixture rather than a pure substance. Pure substances contain only one particle type - either a single element or a compound - so spotting uniformity is key (Chem1, Oregon State University). Use the "one-color rule" mnemonic: one color = pure, multiple colors = mixture.
- Diatomic Element Mixtures -
Elements like H₂, N₂, O₂, F₂, Cl₂, Br₂, and I₂ naturally exist as diatomic molecules; a diagram mixing two of these (e.g., red-red and blue-blue pairs) shows a mixture of diatomic elements. Recognizing which two particle diagrams represent mixtures of diatomic elements helps you distinguish molecular identity by pair shape (Royal Society of Chemistry). Remember "Have No Fear Of Ice Cold Beer" to list diatomics.
- Xenon at STP Representation -
Xenon is a monatomic noble gas at standard temperature and pressure, meaning its particle diagram features widely spaced, single atoms with no bonds. Because one mole of gas occupies 22.414 L at STP (0 °C, 1 atm), diagrams should reflect a sparse distribution, indicating which particle diagram represents a sample of xenon at STP (NIST). Monatomic and evenly scattered: that's your xenon clue!
- One Pure Substance Only -
A diagram where all particles are identical in color, shape, and bonding pattern signals one pure substance only, whether it's an element or a compound. For instance, uniform diatomic pairs (O₂ only) or identical triatomic molecules (CO₂ only) confirm purity (Chemguide, UK). Ask yourself: "Do I see any intruder particles?" If not, it's pure.
- Gas Phase Identification -
Gas-phase diagrams show particles far apart with no fixed arrangement, unlike liquids or solids. To spot which particle diagram represents one substance in the gas phase, look for high spacing and random distribution, matching the ideal gas law PV=nRT relationship (MIT OpenCourseWare). Think "space and speed" to remember gas-phase visuals!