III. Homogeneous and heterogeneous systems
What are Mixtures?
Mixtures are formed when two or more substances (elements or compounds) mix together without
participating in a chemical change. The substances need not necessarily mix in a definite ratio to
form a mixture.
Some examples of mixtures include mixtures of sand and water, mixtures of sugar and salt, and
mixtures of lime juice and water. There are two primary types of mixtures, namely homogeneous
mixtures and heterogeneous mixtures.
III.1. Heterogeneous and Homogeneous Definition
What is a Homogeneous Mixture?
These are the types of mixtures in which the components mixed are uniformly distributed
throughout the mixture. In other words, “they are uniform throughout”. We can observe only one
phase of matter in a homogeneous mixture. Key points regarding such mixtures are:
Particles are distributed uniformly.
• We can’t judge a homogeneous mixture by just seeing it
• Homogeneous mixtures are also called solutions
• Uniform composition
• Example: rainwater, vinegar, etc. What is a Heterogeneous Mixture? This is a type of mixture in which all the components are completely mixed, and all the particles can be seen under a microscope. We can easily identify the components and more than one phase can be seen by naked eyes. Key points regarding this type of mixture:
• Particles are distributed non-uniformly
• We can judge a heterogeneous mixture by just seeing it
• non-uniform composition
• Example: seawater, pizza, etc.
III.2. Difference between Homogeneous and Heterogeneous Mixture
