Question

Mixtures may be classified as homogeneous and heterogeneous. The constituents present in a homogeneous mixture are not visible and cannot be easily separated. The reverse is the case of a heterogeneous mixture. However, one thing is common to both i.e. the percentage of the constituents is not fixed. For example, any amount of sugar can be dissolved in water to form a solution that is a homogeneous mixture.

1. Can we regard a mixture as a single substance?
2. Which type of mixture can be regarded as a solution?
3. Why is distilled water regarded as a compound while tap water is a mixture?
4. What type of mixture is formed by alloys?

Answer 1

1. Mixture is not a single substance. It is formed from two or more substances mixed in any ratio. For example, a mixture of sand and water.
2. A solution is formed by mixing two or more substances. If the two substances completely dissolve into each other then it is known as a solution. We consider the solution as a true solution. Two miscible liquids completely dissolving into each other also form the solution.
3. Distilled water is completely pure without any suspended impurities, minerals, and salts. While on the other hand tap water has suspended impurities like sand, clay, and salts like magnesium, calcium, potassium, etc. So, tap water is a mixture and distilled water is a compound.
4. Alloys form a homogeneous mixture. During the formation of alloys, the composition remains the same throughout the solution. Alloys are solid solutions. For example, brass is an alloy of copper and zinc.