Name: Centrifugation Process
Uploaded: 2019-07-19
Duration: 3 min 4 s
Description: The solid particles in a liquid are often very small and move through filter paper. In such cases, the centrifugation process comes handy. Watch the process...

Question

Distinguish between pure substance and mixtures. Discuss the types of mixtures with examples.

Accepted Answer

The pure substance and mixtures can be distinguished as follows:

Pure substance Mixture

A pure substance is made up of only one type of particles. These particles can be either atoms or molecules. A mixture is a material which contains two or more different kinds of particles (atoms or molecules) which are physically mixed in any proportion but not chemically combined.

Pure substance Mixture

A pure substance, based on the nature of the constituent particles, is of two types, namely, elements and compounds. The pure substances which are present in a mixture are known as the components or constituents of the mixture.

Pure substance Mixture

All elements and compounds are pure substances Depending upon the nature of constituents that are mixed to obtain mixtures, mixtures can be classified into the following two types: homogeneous and heterogeneous mixtures.

Pure substance Mixture

For example, water is a pure substance, since it has uniform composition throughout. It consists of only one kind of particles known as water molecules which cannot be separated into its constituents (hydrogen and oxygen) by any physical process. For example, if we dissolve common salt in water (both of which are pure substances), the solution of common salt in water is called a mixture. This has been obtained by simple mixing of common salt in water without any chemical reaction. Further, we can mix any amount of common salt and any amount of water to get mixtures having different compositions. Hence, a mixture has a variable composition (i.e., does not have a fixed composition).

Types of mixtures:

Depending upon the nature of the constituents mixtures can be classified into the following two types:

1. Homogeneous mixtures : A mixture is said to be homogeneous if all the components (or constituents) of the mixture are uniformly mixed and there are no boundaries of separation between them. The constituents of a homogeneous mixture are not visible to the naked eye or even under a microscope. Examples are: a solution of sugar in water, mixture of two or more miscible liquids, salt solution, copper sulphate solution, seawater, German silver, bronze, etc.

2. Heterogeneous mixtures: A mixture is said to be heterogeneous if all the components (or constituents) of the mixture are not uniformly mixed and there are visible boundaries of separation between them. The components (or constituents) of a heterogeneous mixture are either visible to the naked eye or under a microscope. Examples are: a mixture of sugar and sand, a mixture of two immiscible liquids, gun powder, muddy water, etc.

Distinguish between pure substance and mixtures. Discuss the types of mixtures with examples.

Important Questions on Is Matter Around Us Pure

Learn and Prepare for any exam you want !