What is a substance?

Answer 1

The word substance (a physical material) originates from Latin substantia, literally meaning "standing under". The word was used to translate the Greek philosophical term ousia.

In Chemistry

It is a material that can undergo various transformations related to artificial or natural phenomena. The term substance specifically applies to a physical material with a definite chemical composition, that cannot be separated into constituent materials by physical means. The term "pure substance" may be used to indicate this. A substance may be an element or compound. Mixtures and solutions are combinations of one or more distinct substances.

A substance (pure substance) may exist as either a solid, liquid, or gas.

Matter of definite composition and properties.

For example, every pure element is a different substance. Every pure compound is a different substance.

Salt water is a mixture of two substances - sodium chloride and water. Its composition and therefore its properties are not fixed.

Gasoline is a mixture of hydrocarbons and (depending on the composition), gasoline's properties can vary.

Answer 2

pure substances are elements and compounds

Answer 3

An element or compound that cannot be physically separated