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Differentiate between homogeneous and heterogeneous mixtures with examples?
When two or more substances are mixed, but not chemically, a mixture is created. A mixture’s general features include its ability to be easily separated and the components’ ability to retain their original properties.
Depending upon the composition of the mixture, it can be divided into two categories.
- Homogeneous mixtures
- Heterogeneous mixture.
A mixture is said to be homogenous if the substance’s composition is uniform throughout. A homogenous mixture’s components cannot be seen with the naked eye or even under a microscope. A homogenous mixture is something like salt or sugar dissolved in water.
The heterogeneous mixture has two or more phases and has a non-uniform composition. It is physically possible to separate it.
Example: A combination of sodium chloride and sand.
Homogeneous mixtures | Heterogeneous mixture |
It has a uniform composition throughout the mixture. | It has an uneven composition throughout the mixture. |
These are solutions. | These are suspensions/colloids. |
The size of the particles in the mixtures is very small. | Some particles’ sizes are very small and some are large. |
We cannot see with the naked eye. | We can easily separate the particles. |
They have similar physical properties. | Physical properties will vary. |
Some examples: Sugar solution, corn solution, milk. | Some examples: mud and water, sand and water. |
