How can mixtures be classified?
1 Answer
Mixtures can be classified as homogeneous or heterogeneous . Mixtures are composed of substances that are not chemically combined.
Homogeneous mixtures are solutions. The components of a solution are evenly distributed throughout, so that every part of the solution is the same. The components that make up a solution include one or more solutes dissolved in a solvent. Solutes can be solids, liquids, or gases, and solvents can also be solids, liquids or gases.
Brass is an example of a solid/solid solution, saline solution is an example of a solid/liquid solution, diluted ethanol is an example of a liquid/liquid solution. There are many examples of solutions. The components of a solution can be separated by physical means, such as distillation, evaporation, and chromatography, among others.
Heterogeneous mixtures are not the same throughout. The individual components of a heterogeneous mixture can be easily separated. Examples of heterogeneous mixtures include pizza, beef stew, soil, oil and water, muddy water, sand and iron filings, among may others. The components of heterogeneous mixtures are not evenly distributed and can be separated by physical means, such as picking them out by hand, filtration, magnetism, and sifting, among others.
