Which of the following materials fall in the category of a “pure substance”?

(a) Ice (b) Milk (c) Iron (d) Hydrochloric acid (e) Calcium oxide (f) Mercury (g) Brick (h) Wood (i) Air

Materials that fall in the category of a “pure substance” are Iron, Hydrochloric acid, Calcium oxide, Mercury.

Difference Between Pure and Impure Substance

CharacteristicPure SubstanceImpure Substance
Particle TypeConsists of only one type of particle (atoms or molecules)Composed of two or more different types of particles (may be elements or compounds)
CompositionConstant and definite composition throughoutComposition may vary
PropertiesDistinct physical and chemical propertiesProperties may vary throughout the sample
ExamplesElements (e.g., gold, oxygen)Mixtures (e.g., air, seawater), alloys (e.g., brass)