The Chemistry Book

Mixtures are substances made by combining two or more substances without a chemical reaction occurring. Mixtures are everywhere around us. The two types of mixtures are homogeneous and heterogeneous.

Homogeneous

Homogeneous mixtures are a type of mixtures that are the same throughout. Homogeneous mixtures are commonly known as solutions. A solution is a homogeneous mixture composed of two or more substances. A solution has two parts to it; the solute and the solvent. The solute is the substance that dissolves or disperses and the solvent (commonly water) is the substance that does the dissolving.

Example: kool-aid, blood, lotion, window cleaner, glue, etc. ^[1]

Heterogeneous

A heterogeneous mixture, also known as suspension mixture, is a type of mixture that is made up of visibly different substances with regions that have different properties from those of other regions within the mixtures.

Separating Mixtures

Distillation and filtration are two possible ways of separating mixtures. Distillation is the process of separating mixtures by evaporation and the subsequent collection of a liquid by condensation as a means of purification. Filtration is the process of passing a liquid or gas through a filter in order to remove solid particles.

Further Reading

1. Ophardt, Charles. (2003). Mixture. El mhurst College. Retrieved February 04, 2009. http://www.elmhurst.edu/~chm/vchembook/106Amixture.html
2. Senese, Fred. (1997-2005). General Chemistry Online! What is a heterogeneous mixture? Retrieved February 04, 2009. http://antoine.frostburg.edu/chem/senese/101/matter/faq/what-is-heterogeneous.shtml

References