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mixture

Primary Information
Secondary Information

Definition

A mixture is a physical combination of two or more substances. The substances in a mixture are not chemically bonded together, and they can be separated by physical means.

There are two types of mixtures: homogeneous mixtures and heterogeneous mixtures:

  • Homogeneous mixtures are mixtures in which the components are evenly distributed throughout the mixture. Examples of homogeneous mixtures include air, salt water, and vinegar.
  • Heterogeneous mixtures are mixtures in which the components are not evenly distributed throughout the mixture. Examples of heterogeneous mixtures include sand, salad, and chocolate chip cookies.
  • The properties of a mixture depend on the properties of the substances that make up the mixture. For example, the boiling point of a homogeneous mixture is the same as the boiling point of the substance with the lowest boiling point.

Mixtures can be separated into their components by physical means, such as sieving, filtration, distillation, and chromatography.

How can the word be used?

The chef made a mixture of flour, eggs, and milk to make a cake batter.

mixture

Different forms of the word

Noun: A combination of two or more substances that are not chemically combined.

Adjective: Relating to or consisting of a mixture.

Verb: To mix or combine two or more substances.

Etymology

The word "mixture" comes from the Latin word "mixtura," which means "a blending." The Latin word "mixtura" is derived from the verb "miscere," which means "to mix.".

The word "mixture" was first used in English in the 14th century. It originally had a more literal meaning, referring to the act of mixing two or more substances together. However, the meaning of the word has expanded over time to include any combination of two or more things, even if they are not physically mixed together.

Question

What is a mixture?

AQA Science Exam Question and Answer

Question:

Define a mixture and provide examples of homogeneous and heterogeneous mixtures. Explain the differences between these two types of mixtures and discuss their importance in various real-world scenarios.

Answer:

A mixture is a combination of two or more substances that are physically combined, retaining their individual properties. Mixtures can be categorised into two main types: homogeneous and heterogeneous mixtures.

Homogeneous mixtures, also known as solutions, have uniform composition throughout and are difficult to distinguish with the naked eye. Examples include saltwater and air. In saltwater, salt particles are evenly distributed in water, resulting in a uniform solution. In the case of air, various gases, like oxygen and nitrogen, are mixed uniformly.

Heterogeneous mixtures, on the other hand, have distinct phases that can be observed visually. Trail mix and soil are examples of heterogeneous mixtures. In trail mix, different components like nuts, raisins, and chocolate chips are visibly separate. In soil, particles of sand, silt, and clay form a non-uniform mixture.

The distinction between these mixtures is crucial in various real-world situations. Homogeneous mixtures are important in chemistry, where accurate mixing of substances is required for chemical reactions. Heterogeneous mixtures often have industrial applications, such as separating components based on their densities in centrifuges.