An atom is the smallest particle of a substance Chemical substances are divided into two major groups They are 1 Pure Substances (and) 2 Mixtures There are two types of pure substances that are Elements and Compounds Elements : An element is a substance that is made up of only one kind of atoms and cannot be broken down into simpler substances by chemical means Metals and Non- metals come under elements Examples of elements are Iron, Silver, Gold, Mercury etc Compounds : A Compound is a substance that is formed when two or more elements combine chemically Examples of compounds are Water, Carbon dioxide, methane, vinegar etc Mixtures : A Mixture is formed when two or more substances mixed together but not chemically combined Example: Air