Mixtures are of 2 types:
- Homogeneous Mixtures
- Heterogeneous Mixtures
What are Homogeneous Mixtures?
- Homogeneous Mixtures are those in which different substances are completely mixed together.
- This means they have uniform composition throughout.
- It is difficult to distinguish different substances from each other
- We are able to see different particles in a homogeneous mixture clearly
Example
If we mix salt in water and stir it with a spoon, it forms a homogeneous mixture
We are not able to see salt particles separately from mixture
What are Heterogeneous Mixtures?
- It is a mixture which has physically distinct parts (different particles of mixture are easily visible)
- Such mixtures have non uniform composition throughout the mixture
- We are able to recognize individual particles by looking at a mixture
Example 1
Mixture of Oil and Water is a heterogeneous Mixture
We are able to see oil and water clearly separately in the mixture
Example 2
Mixture of Salt (Sodium Chloride) and Iron filings is a heterogeneous mixture
The particles of salt and Iron filings can be seen and distinguished easily
Difference between Homogeneous and Heterogeneous mixtures
|
Homogeneous Mixture |
Heterogeneous Mixture |
|
Individual components of mixture cannot be seen and distinguished easily |
Individual components of mixture can be seen and distinguished easily. |
|
They may or may not have a variable composition (Different Particles may be in same or different ratio throughout the mixture) |
They have a variable composition (Different Particles are in different ratio throughout the mixture) |
|
Example Mixture of Salt and Water |
Example Mixture of Salt and Iron Filings |
Note - Heterogeneous and homogeneous mixture may be a Matter of Scale
It means that a mixture may look homogeneous from a distance
But if we look closely with help of a microscope, it may appear to be heterogeneous mixture
(We may be able to identify individual component clearly)
Example - Blood may look homogeneous but if we examine it with help of a microscope, we may be able to identify individual components
Types of Homogeneous and Heterogeneous Mixtures
- Type of Homogeneous Mixture - Solution
- Types of Heterogeneous Mixture - Suspension & Colloid
