Open In App

Heterogeneous and Homogeneous Mixtures

Improve
Improve
Like Article
Like
Save
Share
Report

Mixture is a combination of two or more substances that are not chemically bonded together. These substances can be elements, compounds, or both. Mixtures can be homogeneous, where the components are uniformly distributed and not easily distinguishable, or heterogeneous, where the components are not uniformly distributed and can be visually distinguished. Examples of mixtures include air, saltwater, and soil.

Let’s learn about homogeneous mixtures and heterogeneous mixtures in detail.

Types of Mixtures 

Mixtures are of two types,

  • Homogeneous Mixture
  • Heterogeneous Mixture
Types of Mixtures

 

Homogeneous Mixture

Homogeneous Mixtures are those types of mixtures in which the mixed components are evenly spread in the whole mixture. There is no partitional difference in the mixture. 

We can’t determine the mixture by only seeing it because its particles are not physically detectable. All Homogeneous mixtures are solutions. For example- Wine, Vinegar, etc.

Homogeneous mixture examples

 

Properties of Homogeneous Mixtures

Various properties of Homogeneous Mixtures are,

  • It has a uniform composition throughout, for instance, you will notice that a mixture of salt and water tastes salty at each and every sip means salt has occupied its space all over uniformly.
  • There is no partition in between the solution means if you will notice the saltwater you will see that there are no patches or foam or anything which will divide the solution into two halves.

Heterogeneous Mixture

In this kind of mixture, particles are physically distinguishable as they do not have uniform composition. These mixtures can be concluded just by watching. 

All heterogeneous mixtures are colloid and suspended. Mixtures in which substances remain distinct and one substance disperses into another substance in the form of small bubbles or in any form are called heterogeneous mixtures. For example- Ice cubes in cola form a heterogeneous mixture. Fruit and nut cookies are a heterogeneous mixture.

Heterogeneous mixture examples

 

Properties of Heterogeneous Mixtures

Various properties of Heterogeneous Mixtures are,

  • For instance, you can take a solution of sugar and sand dissolved in water. On observing after some time, you will see that there are two halves divided in the solution in which sand has settled down in the bottom whereas sugar gets fully dissolved in the water creating the first half.
  • A mixture of two immiscible liquids is also a heterogeneous mixture, like a mixture of water and oil is also a heterogeneous mixture because when they both will be mixed together, the oil will start floating on the top surface, and they will not get mixed with each other forming two clear phases in the mixture.

Examples of Homogeneous and Heterogeneous Mixtures

Air is a homogeneous mixture which is composed of various gases such as Nitrogen, Oxygen and others.

Blood is a heterogeneous mixture which is made up of various components called red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma. These substances are not properly mix together but are kept separated from each other.

Concrete consists of water, cement, gravel, sand and rocks but not in a fixed ratio. i.e it is not always uniform and hence it is a heterogeneous mixture.

Heterogeneous Mixture Example

The image given below shows a heterogeneous mixture.

Example of Heterogeneous Mixture

 

Homogeneous Mixture Example

The image given below shows a homogeneous mixture.

Example of Homogeneous Mixture

Difference between Homogeneous and Heterogeneous Mixtures

The major difference between Homogeneous and Heterogeneous Mixtures is discussed below in the table,

Homogeneous vs. Heterogeneous Mixtures

Homogeneous Mixture

Heterogeneous Mixture

Mixtures that have uniform composition.  Mixtures that do not have uniform composition throughout.
The boundary of separation could not be seen. The boundary of separation of constituent particles is clearly visible.
Particles are not indistinguishable.   Particles can be physically distinguishable.
‘Homo’ means the same. ‘Hetero’ means different.
Particles can’t be seen with the naked eye. Particles can be seen with the naked eye.
It has uniform properties throughout. Its different parts have different properties.
For Example– Copper sulphate dissolves in water. For Example– Muddy water, or detergent solution.

Related :

FAQs on Homogeneous and Heterogeneous Mixtures

What is Homogeneous Mixture?

Mixtures in which all the components added are spread evenly is called homogeneous mixture. An example of a homogeneous mixture is Air.

What is Heterogeneous Mixture?

A mixture in which all the components are easily distinguishable is called a Heterogeneous mixture. An example of a homogeneous mixture is Blood.

Give Heterogeneous and Homogeneous Mixture Examples?

  • Various examples of homogeneous mixtures are water, lemonade, alloys, and bitumen. 
  • Various examples of heterogeneous mixtures are sand in oil, sand in water, concrete, milk and others.

Why do solutions, colloids, and suspensions have different properties?

Due to different particle size there is the difference in properties of solutions, colloids and suspensions.

Classify matter on the basis of its composition.

On the basis of composition, matter can be classified into-

  1. Pure substance
  2. Mixture

How many Types of Pure Substances are there?

There are two types of pure substances i.e. element and compound.

What is Solute?

The component of the solution which has to be dissolved in the solution is called as solute.

Is Air Homogeneous or Heterogeneous?

Air is a homogeneous mixture as all its components are uniformly mixed and it is difficult to separate various components separately.



Last Updated : 07 Feb, 2024
Like Article
Save Article
Previous
Next
Share your thoughts in the comments
Similar Reads