10. How does a heterogeneous mixture differ from a homogeneous mixture? How are they similar?
Chemistry · High School · Tue Nov 03 2020
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Before understanding the difference between the two mixtures, it must be understood first what a mixture means.
A Mixture is a combination of two or more substances in which the substances retain their distinct identities. Mixtures do not have constant composition. They can be created and then separated by physical means into pure components without changing the identities of the components. Mixtures can either be Homogenous Mixture, or Heterogenous Mixture.
Homogeneous Mixture is composed of a mixture with an equal composition, or the composition of a mixture is same throughout.
Example: spoonful of sugar dissolved in water
On the other hand, heterogenous mixture has an unequal composition, or the composition is not uniform unlike the homogenous mixture.
Example: Wood residues mixed in sand
Homogenous Mixture and Heterogenous Mixture are similar in a way that both of them are a form of matter, and a mixture. This means that they can be separated into pure substance.