Grade 10 · CAPS

Grade 10 Matter and Its Classification

Physical Sciences practice questions and a worked example

Grade 10 matter and its classification covers elements, compounds and mixtures and the states of matter. The questions here ask you to classify substances, choose methods of separating mixtures, read heating curves and vapour pressure graphs to find melting and boiling points, and explain phase changes with the kinetic molecular theory. They come from the DBE Grade 10 common Paper 2 for November 2016, 2017 and 2018, each with the answer from the marking guideline.

Worked example

2.1 Define the term pure substance.

Answer & explanation

A substance that cannot be separated into simpler components by physical methods.
A pure substance is defined as a material that has a uniform and definite composition. It cannot be separated into simpler substances by physical methods such as filtration, evaporation, or distillation. This means that a pure substance is made of only one type of particle, whether it's an element or a compound. For example, pure water is a compound that cannot be separated into hydrogen and oxygen by physical means. The stored answer correctly captures this definition.

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Matter and Its Classification

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1.2 According to the kinetic molecular theory the particles of a solid …
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More practice questions

Explore additional Grade 10 Matter and Its Classification questions.

  • 2
    Most substances used in our daily lives are either pure substances or mixtures. 2.2 Complete the table below. Write down only the answer next to the question number (2.2.1–2.2.4) in your ANSWER BOOK.
  • 3
    Most substances used in our daily lives are either pure substances or mixtures. 2.3 Explain why pots and pans are made of metal but the handles are made of plastic or wood.
  • 4
    Learners are investigating the effect of increasing temperature on two different substances (1 and 2) over a period of time. Study the temperature versus time graphs below and answer the questions that follow. The heating curves of substances 1 and 2 3.1 Write down the: 3.1.1 Dependent variable
  • 5
    Learners are investigating the effect of increasing temperature on two different substances (1 and 2) over a period of time. Study the temperature versus time graphs below and answer the questions that follow. The heating curves of substances 1 and 2 3.1 Write down the: 3.1.2 Independent variable

Common mistakes

  • Saying the temperature rises during a phase change. The temperature stays constant because the energy is used to overcome the intermolecular forces.
  • Mixing up homogeneous and heterogeneous mixtures. A homogeneous mixture has the same composition throughout, like air or salt water.
  • Linking a low boiling point to strong forces. Weaker intermolecular forces give a lower boiling point.

More Grade 10 Physical Sciences topics

Aligned to CAPS Grade 10 Physical Sciences — Matter and Its Classification. Curriculum source: CAPS for the FET Phase, Department of Basic Education.

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