PRE MI UM ACT I VE- LE A RN IN G WO RK BOO K
Matter, Formulas, Redox & Gas Laws
Comprehensive Chemistry Review
General Chemistry • Active-Learning Edition
How to use this workbook
1. Read the concept explanation. 2. Study the worked example. 3. Try the practice problems yourself.
4. Check your work against the Answer Key. 5. Revisit anything you missed.
, 1. Fundamental Concepts of Matter
Types of Matter
Term Definition
Anything that has mass and occupies space. Classified as mixtures, elements, or
Matter
compounds.
Two+ substances that retain their individual properties. Homogeneous (uniform) or
Mixture
heterogeneous (non-uniform).
A pure substance that cannot be broken down further; represented by a unique
Element
symbol (H, O, Na...).
Compound Two or more elements chemically bonded in a fixed ratio (e.g. H2O).
Ionic Compound Formed from electrostatic attraction between oppositely charged ions (e.g. NaCl).
Molecular Compound Two or more nonmetals bonded covalently (e.g. CO2).
WORKED EXAMPLE — Classifying Matter
Question: Is salt water an element, compound, or mixture?
Step 1 — Ask if it can be separated by physical means (evaporation): yes → it's a mixture, not a compound.
Step 2 — Ask if the composition is uniform throughout: yes, salt water looks the same everywhere →
homogeneous mixture.
✏ TRY IT YOURSELF
1. Classify the following as element, compound, or mixture: bronze, oxygen gas (O2), table sugar (C12H22O11),
granite rock.
2. Is orange juice with pulp a homogeneous or heterogeneous mixture? Explain your reasoning.
3. Explain why NaCl is an ionic compound but CO2 is a molecular (covalent) compound.
2. Chemical Symbols and Formulas
Term Definition
Shows the actual number of atoms of each element in a molecule (e.g. C2H6 for
Molecular Formula
ethane).
Empirical Formula The simplest whole-number ratio of elements in a compound (e.g. CH2 for ethylene).
An ion made of two or more atoms bonded together carrying an overall charge (e.g.
Polyatomic Ion
CO3^2-).
Molecular compounds use prefixes (mono-, di-, tri-...); ionic compounds with
Naming Convention
transition metals use Roman numerals.
Must-Know Prefixes
● 1 = Mono, 2 = Di, 3 = Tri, 4 = Tetra, 5 = Penta, 6 = Hexa, 7 = Hepta, 8 = Octa, 9 = Nona, 10 = Deca
Common Polyatomic Ions
Term Definition
NH4+ Ammonium
Matter, Formulas, Redox & Gas Laws
Comprehensive Chemistry Review
General Chemistry • Active-Learning Edition
How to use this workbook
1. Read the concept explanation. 2. Study the worked example. 3. Try the practice problems yourself.
4. Check your work against the Answer Key. 5. Revisit anything you missed.
, 1. Fundamental Concepts of Matter
Types of Matter
Term Definition
Anything that has mass and occupies space. Classified as mixtures, elements, or
Matter
compounds.
Two+ substances that retain their individual properties. Homogeneous (uniform) or
Mixture
heterogeneous (non-uniform).
A pure substance that cannot be broken down further; represented by a unique
Element
symbol (H, O, Na...).
Compound Two or more elements chemically bonded in a fixed ratio (e.g. H2O).
Ionic Compound Formed from electrostatic attraction between oppositely charged ions (e.g. NaCl).
Molecular Compound Two or more nonmetals bonded covalently (e.g. CO2).
WORKED EXAMPLE — Classifying Matter
Question: Is salt water an element, compound, or mixture?
Step 1 — Ask if it can be separated by physical means (evaporation): yes → it's a mixture, not a compound.
Step 2 — Ask if the composition is uniform throughout: yes, salt water looks the same everywhere →
homogeneous mixture.
✏ TRY IT YOURSELF
1. Classify the following as element, compound, or mixture: bronze, oxygen gas (O2), table sugar (C12H22O11),
granite rock.
2. Is orange juice with pulp a homogeneous or heterogeneous mixture? Explain your reasoning.
3. Explain why NaCl is an ionic compound but CO2 is a molecular (covalent) compound.
2. Chemical Symbols and Formulas
Term Definition
Shows the actual number of atoms of each element in a molecule (e.g. C2H6 for
Molecular Formula
ethane).
Empirical Formula The simplest whole-number ratio of elements in a compound (e.g. CH2 for ethylene).
An ion made of two or more atoms bonded together carrying an overall charge (e.g.
Polyatomic Ion
CO3^2-).
Molecular compounds use prefixes (mono-, di-, tri-...); ionic compounds with
Naming Convention
transition metals use Roman numerals.
Must-Know Prefixes
● 1 = Mono, 2 = Di, 3 = Tri, 4 = Tetra, 5 = Penta, 6 = Hexa, 7 = Hepta, 8 = Octa, 9 = Nona, 10 = Deca
Common Polyatomic Ions
Term Definition
NH4+ Ammonium
