Puhdasaines

Puhdasaines is a Finnish term that translates to "pure substance" in English. It refers to a material that consists of only one type of atom or molecule. In chemistry, pure substances are distinct from mixtures, which are composed of two or more substances that are not chemically bonded. The properties of a pure substance, such as its melting point, boiling point, and density, are constant and characteristic of that substance.

Pure substances can be further categorized into elements and compounds. Elements are pure substances that cannot be broken down into simpler substances by chemical means. Examples include oxygen, iron, and gold. Compounds are pure substances formed when two or more elements are chemically bonded together in a fixed ratio. Water (H2O) and carbon dioxide (CO2) are common examples of compounds.

The concept of a pure substance is fundamental in chemistry for identifying and characterizing different materials. The purity of a substance is often a critical factor in scientific experiments and industrial processes, as impurities can significantly alter the behavior and properties of the material. Analytical techniques are employed to determine the purity of substances and identify any contaminants.