Understanding Mixtures: Homogeneous vs. Heterogeneous

Key Concepts

• Mixture: Combination of two or more pure substances.
• Homogeneous Mixture:
  • Visibly indistinguishable parts.
  • Uniform composition throughout.
  • Appears as a single clear solution.
• Heterogeneous Mixture:
  • Multiple distinguishable parts.
  • Non-uniform composition that can vary by position.

Examples

Homogeneous Mixtures

• Salt Water:
  • Appears as one clear solution without distinguishable parts.
• Brass:
  • An alloy of zinc and copper.
  • Atoms are uniformly distributed.
  • Most alloys are homogeneous.
• Air:
  • Contains gases like nitrogen, oxygen, argon, water vapor, and carbon dioxide.
  • No visible parts, uniform distribution.
• Rubbing Alcohol:
  • Appears as one clear solution.

Heterogeneous Mixtures

• Oil and Water:
  • Do not mix, visibly two distinct layers.
  • Water is denser and forms the bottom layer.
• Sand and Water:
  • Sand does not dissolve, settles at the bottom.
  • Two visible parts: sand and water.
• Tossed Salad with Ranch:
  • Visible distinguishable parts (salad and ranch).

Summary

• Homogeneous Mixtures: One visible part and uniform throughout.
• Heterogeneous Mixtures: Two or more visible parts, non-uniform.
• Use visual distinction to determine the type of mixture.