Question

What is a heterogeneous mixture? Give one example.

Answer 1

Hint: The composition of a heterogeneous mixture is not uniform. When two or more substances are present in any proportion is known as a mixture. Oil in water, sugar in water are the two common examples of two different types of mixture.

Complete step by step answer:
A heterogeneous mixture is classified under the type of mixture.
The mixture can be explained as a material that contains two or more substances either elements or compounds in any proportion is known as a mixture.
A mixture is said to be heterogeneous if the composition of the substance throughout is not uniform. There are two or more distinct phases in a heterogeneous mixture. The components of a heterogeneous mixture are visible with the naked eye or at least under a microscope. For example, the components of a mixture of iron, sulfur, and common salt can be seen with the naked eye, lying side by side but the components of milk(which is also a heterogeneous mixture though it looks to be homogeneous), the fats suspended in clear liquid can be seen under a microscope. A few other examples of the heterogeneous mixture include smoke (a mixture of carbon particles + air), gun powder (a mixture of carbon, sulfur, and nitre), oil in water, copper sulfate, and sand, etc. Strictly speaking, the air is also a heterogeneous mixture if dust particles are taken into consideration.

Note: The other type of mixture is a homogeneous mixture. A mixture is said to be homogeneous if the composition of the substance throughout is uniform. The components of a homogeneous mixture cannot be seen by the naked eye or even under a microscope. Salt or sugar dissolved in water is an example of a homogeneous mixture.