A mixture is characterized because there are two or more substances or elements that are united, but not chemically combined, and because it is possible to separate them.
A homogeneous mixture is one in which its components are mixed in such a way that it is impossible to differentiate to the naked eye, being distributed so uniform. This type of mixture is found in A phase (state of matter) and is also known as solution or dissolution. An example of a homogeneous mixture or solution is a cup of hot coffee.
Conversely, the elements of a heterogeneous mixture are distinguishable at a glance and its distribution it is not uniform. Heterogeneous mixtures have at least Two phases differentiated (solid and solid, for example). A bowl of cereal with milk is an example of a heterogeneous mixture.
Differences Homogeneous mixture Heterogeneous mixture
Definition
It is a mixture whose components are mixed uniformly, being in a single phase. It is a mixture in which its elements are not evenly distributed and has at least two phases.
Characteristics
The substances that compose it are uniformly distributed. It is not possible to distinguish its separate components with the naked eye. It is in a single phase (state of matter). It maintains the same chemical composition throughout the entire solution. Its components in a solution are known as solute and solvent. Its components are not evenly distributed. It is possible to distinguish its components with the naked eye. It is found in at least two phases (states of matter). The chemical composition of its elements varies according to the region of the mixture.
Solubility
When mixing its components (particularly liquids) they are miscible (soluble). Its components are immiscible with each other (they are not soluble). separation methods
Distillation, crystallization, chromatography, solvent extraction, evaporation.
Filtration, settling, sedimentation, centrifugation. Examples Air, alloys such as bronze or steel, water mixed with sugar or table salt. Dressings (vinegar + oil), salads, concrete mix, ice cubes in a drink.
What is a homogeneous mixture?
A homogeneous mixture is a mixture that is in a specific state of matter (in a phase), in which the elements that compose it are mixed evenly and in such a way that it is not possible to differentiate them with the naked eye. This type of mixture is also known as solution or solution.
The quality of being homogeneous implies that no matter where a sample of the mixture is taken from, the distribution of its components will remain uniform. That is, the particles that make up the mixture are distributed in the same way throughout the solution.
The components of a mixture are located in such a way that it is not possible to differentiate each one of them with the naked eye. This means that, in order to observe each component of a mixture, it is necessary to have some type of apparatus (for example, a microscope).
Characteristics of a homogeneous mixture
The mixture of its components is uniform. It is found in a single phase or state of matter. It is not possible to differentiate the substances that compose it with the naked eye. It is made up of one or more solutes and a solvent. It remains stable as long as the same conditions (temperature, pressure) are present. Solute and solvent are miscible, particularly in the liquid state.
Phases or states of matter in a homogeneous mixture
When the dissolution of its components occurs, the solute in the solvent, the homogeneous mixture presents a single phase. When talking about mixtures, a phase is the state of matter in which its components are found, whether it is liquid, solid or gas.
Each phase that forms a state of matter maintains its properties and chemical composition under specific conditions of temperature and pressure. If these conditions change, the phase is modified, passing to a different state of matter. An example of this occurs when rock melts due to an increase in temperature.
The top statue of The Angel of Independencelocated in Mexico City, is an example of a homogeneous mixture consisting of bronze (copper and tin alloy) and bathed in gold.
Components of a homogeneous mixture
A homogeneous mixture or solution is composed of at least two substances that are found in different amounts in it. The solute and the solvent.
A solute It is the substance that is found in the smallest proportion in the homogeneous mixture, it acquires the shape and characteristics of the solvent (since it is dissolved in it) and has a boiling point higher than it. The most common phase it is found in is the solid state (although it is found in the other states as well).
An example of a solute is coffee grounds that are mixed with hot water to make a cup of coffee.
The other component of a homogeneous mixture or solution is solvent, which is the substance that dissolves the solute. The solvent is found in a greater proportion than the solute in a solution and determines in which phase or state of matter it will be found. Generally it is a liquid, being the solvent par excellence water.
Properties of a homogeneous mixture
Homogeneous mixtures, such as solutions or dissolutions, possess several properties. In homogeneous mixtures, the phenomenon of solvation, which consists of the dissolution of the solute in the solvent. The solute molecules are surrounded by the solvent molecules, giving up their ions to the latter.
The principle is presented that like dissolves like, which means that polar solute molecules only interact with polar solvent molecules. Likewise, nonpolar solutes only interact with nonpolar solvents.
Another property is the solubility of a solution, which is the maximum point at which a solvent and a solute can no longer dissolve. In this case the solution may be:
Saturated: the solvent is unable to further dissolve the solute.
Supersaturated: more solute is added to the solution and it remains in its original state.
Unsaturated: when the amount of solute is less than what the solvent is capable of dissolving.
Among the factors that affect solubility are the polarity and volume (size) of the molecules of a substance, pressure, and temperature.
Learn about the difference between solute and solvent.
Separation of homogeneous mixtures
The distillation is a way of separating homogeneous mixtures composed of liquids miscible (soluble) or a liquid and a solid. In this case, the liquids are separated by boiling. Once the boiling point of one of the components is reached, it evaporates, separating from the other. An example of this happens when alcoholic beverages are distilled.
Another way of separating homogeneous mixtures is the crystallization. In this, it is sought that the solute in the non-solid phase loses solubility, through its transformation into a solid. This can be achieved by evaporating the liquid, cooling it, causing a reaction in it or adding some other element. An example of this is found in the production of salt from seawater.
Other separation methods are chromatography, evaporation and extraction by means of a solvent.
Examples of homogeneous mixtures
The air. Water mixed with sugar or table salt. Vinegar (water + acetic acid). Steel (carbon + chrome + iron). Bronze (copper + tin).
You may also be interested in seeing 60 examples of homogeneous and heterogeneous mixtures.
What are heterogeneous mixtures?
A heterogeneous mixture is a mixture that is found in at least two different states of matter (two phases), its components are mixed in a way not uniform and it is possible to distinguish them with the naked eye.
While in a homogeneous mixture the components are distributed in the same way, in any region of the mixture, in a heterogeneous mixture the components are distributed in different amounts. That is, a portion or specimen taken from a heterogeneous mixture may contain more or less of one of its elements.
The properties of each component of a heterogeneous mixture do not change when they are mixed. When its components are mixed, particularly in a liquid state, they are immiscible. Miscibility means that one element is soluble in another (for example, table salt in water in a homogeneous mixture).
So, in the case of heterogeneous mixtures, when two liquids are mixed, they maintain their properties, without solubility. That is, its elements are immiscible. For example, the mixture between oil and water is a heterogeneous mixture of immiscible liquids.
Characteristics of a heterogeneous mixture
There is no uniform distribution of the elements that make it up. It is common that its components can be distinguished with the naked eye. Any mixture that presents two states of matter is heterogeneous. Its components are not miscible and are kept physically separate.
Phases or states of matter in a heterogeneous mixture
A heterogeneous mixture is found in at least Two phases different from matter. This means that each element keeps its properties intact.
That is, a heterogeneous mixture can be formed by two liquids that can be separated and differentiated with the naked eye, since each one maintains its particular phase and properties. The same is true if two or more solids are mixed together, such as in the case of a powdered pepper mix.
Types of heterogeneous mixtures
When the components of a heterogeneous mixture are in different phases (for example, a liquid and a solid), this mixture is known as suspension.
Suspensions are characterized in that the solid does not dissolve in the other component, be it a gas or a liquid. Even if the components are mixed, they will eventually be found in separate portions of the mixture.
The particles that make up the solid of a suspension are of such a size that Earth’s gravity has an effect on them, exceeding the force that would bind them to the other substance. Furthermore, it is possible to separate the mixture by means of filtration.
Sand mixed with water is an example of a suspension. If they are placed in a container and shaken, the sand will eventually settle to the bottom of the container.
Another type of heterogeneous mixture is known as colloids. In these, the particles are smaller than in suspensions, they can only be observed through a microscope and it is not possible to separate them by means of filtration.
These are characterized because their particles are capable of dispersing light when it passes through a colloidal mixture, becoming visible, creating the Tyndall effect (in honor of the physical…