Question

(a) State important differences between homogeneous and heterogeneous mixtures

(b) Classify the following as homogeneous and heterogeneous mixtures:

Air, soil, oil and water mixture, ethyl alcohol and water mixture, sugar solution, vinegar

Answer 1

(a) Mixtures

• Mixtures are type of substances where the components are present in any composition
• We can separate the components present in a mixture by physical methods like handpicking, filtration etc.
• The components are not chemically bonded

We can classify mixtures into homogeneous and heterogeneous mixtures

Homogeneous mixtures

• Mixtures having same composition throughout the sample.
• It is difficult to identify the components present, separately.
• The whole part of the mixture is in the same phase (homo means same)
• Example: air, vinegar

Heterogeneous mixtures

• Mixtures that are not having same composition throughout the sample.
• It is easy to identify the components present, separately.
• The mixture consists of different phases and the name hetero means the difference.
• Examples: mixture of sand and sugar, mixture of oil and water

(b) By considering the properties of homogeneous and heterogeneous mixtures, we can classify the substances

Homogeneous mixtures: air, ethyl alcohol, and water, sugar solution (sugar in water), vinegar (acetic acid and water).

Heterogeneous mixtures: soil, oil, and water mixture.