Substances and Reactions
Elements are the simplest substances you can get - think of them as the basic building blocks of everything. They contain just one type of atom, but here's the thing: you can have loads of the same atoms stuck together and it's still an element.
When atoms of the same element bond together, you get a molecule. It's still pure because it's all the same stuff, just joined up. Compounds are different though - they're what you get when atoms from different elements decide to team up and bond together.
Mixtures are the odd ones out because the different substances just hang about together without actually bonding. They're not pure substances because you've got different elements or compounds all mixed up but not chemically joined.
Quick Tip: Remember that bonding makes all the difference - compounds have it, mixtures don't!
There are four main types of reactions you need to know about. Thermal decomposition is basically when heat breaks compounds apart, whilst synthesis reactions do the opposite by combining substances to make something more complex. You'll also encounter oxidation and combustion reactions as you dive deeper into chemistry.