CLASSIFICATION OF MATTER - A SUMMARY
The classification of matter is summarized as in the diagram below.
Compounds are classified as organic and inorganic compounds, and also as acids, bases or salts. Matter can also be described as existing in three phases, namely: solid, liquid, or gas. Descriptions of matter rely on observations of how they react chemically when combined with others. Such reactions produce chemical changes which after the chemical composition of matter. Changes that don't after the chemical composition of a material are described as physical changes.
Mixtures may be described as homogeneous or heterogeneous, or as solutions, colloids or suspensions. Mixtures are separated according to some of the physical properties of substances. Various methods of separating mixtures can be employed, including decantation, filtration, crystallization , distillation, chromatography, centrifugation, sublimation, and magnetization. These methods are very useful in purifying matter such as in producing drinking water, and to separate naturally-occurring mixtures into useful components.