Classifying Mixtures
A mixture is a physical combination of two or more substances in which the components keep their own properties and can usually be separated by physical methods.
Practice This ConceptMain explanation
Teacher explanation
Mixtures are classified mainly as homogeneous and heterogeneous. A homogeneous mixture has uniform composition throughout, so its different parts cannot be easily seen. A heterogeneous mixture has non-uniform composition, so different parts may be visible or unevenly distributed.
Example
Salt completely dissolved in water is homogeneous, while sand mixed with iron filings is heterogeneous.
Simple analogy
Homo means same; hetero means different.
Common confusion
Many students call every clear liquid a pure substance. A clear salt solution is still a mixture because it has salt and water.
Exam tip
When classifying, write both the type and the reason: uniform composition for homogeneous, non-uniform composition for heterogeneous.
Answer writing and exam use
1-mark use
Write the exact meaning of classifying mixtures in one clean line.
2-mark use
Define classifying mixtures and add one example or condition.
3-mark use
Explain classifying mixtures, show the method or example, and mention the common mistake.
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