Question

Classify each of the following as element, compound, or mixture. (a) air (b) iron (c) soy sauce (d) table salt

Short answer

Question: Classify the following substances as elements, compounds, or mixtures: (a) Air, (b) Iron, (c) Soy sauce, (d) Table salt. Answer: (a) Air - Mixture, (b) Iron - Element, (c) Soy sauce - Mixture, (d) Table salt - Compound.

Step-by-step solution

(a) Air

Air is a mixture of various gases, mainly nitrogen (78%), oxygen (21%), and small amounts of other gases such as carbon dioxide, argon, and more. Since it consists of multiple substances, it is classified as a mixture.

(b) Iron

Iron is a chemical element with the symbol Fe and atomic number 26. It is a pure substance made up of only one type of atom, so it is classified as an element.

(c) Soy sauce

Soy sauce is a liquid condiment made from a mixture of soybeans, wheat, salt, and water, which are fermented together. As it consists of multiple substances, it is classified as a mixture.

(d) Table salt

Table salt is mainly composed of sodium chloride (NaCl), which is made up of two different atom types bonded together: sodium (Na) and chlorine (Cl). Since it is a pure substance made up of two different atom types, it is classified as a compound.