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

State the main points of difference between homogeneous and heterogeneous mixtures.

Accepted Answer

Homogeneous Mixture Heterogeneous Mixture

Composition of a homogeneous mixture throughout the solution is uniform, i.e., the same. For example, if we make a solution of sugar in water and taste it by taking a spoonful of solution either from the surface or from somewhere underneath the surface, it will taste equally sweet. Composition of a heterogeneous mixture throughout the solution is not uniform. For example, if we prepare a mixture of starch and sugar by thoroughly grinding it and then taste it by picking up a few particles from the various portions of the mixture, it will not have the same sweetness.

Homogeneous Mixture Heterogeneous Mixture

A homogeneous mixture has no distinct boundaries, that is, it consists of only one phase which may be solid, liquid or gas. For example, alloys like brass ( $30 %$ zinc and $70 %$ copper) is a homogeneous mixture in the solid state. Similarly, a solution of sugar or common salt in water is a homogeneous mixture in the liquid state. Likewise, a solution of water and alcohol is a homogeneous mixture in the liquid state. Pure air (without dust particles and suspended impurities) is also a homogeneous mixture in the gaseous state. A heterogeneous mixture has distinct boundaries of separation, that is, it consists of two or more phases which can either be solids or liquids but not gaseous. For example, iron filings (greyish) and sulphur powder (yellow) on mixing form a heterogeneous mixture (greyish yellow in colour). On examining the mixture under a microscope, we can dearly see that every small portion of the mixture consists of two solid phases -one of greyish colour containing iron filings and the other of yellow colour containing sulphur powder. Similarly, a mixture of oil in water is a heterogeneous mixture, consisting of two liquid phases - one of oil and the other of water. That is, oil in water has a distinct boundary separating oil from water.

State the main points of difference between homogeneous and heterogeneous mixtures.

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