Question

Magnesium sulphate in a water is a ______________________ mixture.

Answer 1

Hint: A mixture is a physical blend of two or more components such that each component retains its own properties. There are two types of the mixture such as homogeneous and heterogeneous mixture. Inorganic salt dissociates into the ion and undergoes solvation. Salt forms a homogeneous mixture such as salt does not lose its identity in the mixture.

Complete step by step answer:
A mixture is defined as the physical blend of the two or more than two components such that each retains their identity. Mixtures can be formed in various combinations. One of the most commonly used mixtures is solid in a liquid.
Mixtures are of two types such as homogeneous mixture and heterogeneous mixture.
A mixture in which the composition of two or more than two-component is uniform throughout the mixture is known as a homogeneous mixture.
Magnesium sulphate forms a homogeneous mixture in water. Magnesium sulphate is a chemical compound. The reaction of magnesium sulphate $\text{ MgS}{{\text{O}}_{\text{4}}}\text{ }$ in water is written as follows,
$\text{ MgS}{{\text{O}}_{\text{4}}}\text{ (}s)\text{ + }{{\text{H}}_{\text{2}}}\text{O (}l)\text{ }\to \text{M}{{\text{g}}^{\text{2+}}}\text{(}aq)\text{ + SO}_{4}^{2-}(aq)\text{ }$
Magnesium sulphate is soluble in water due to the presence of solvation. Solvation is a process of association of solvent molecules (water molecules) around the ions to form a solvent shell. Solvation results in the formation of hydrated salt of ions. This is an endothermic reaction and it consumes heat from the environment. This is how Epsom salt or magnesium sulphate is dissolved in water. Magnesium sulphate forms a homogenous or uniform mixture in water due to solvation providing low concentration of Epsom salt is present. Otherwise in high concentration solution will have insoluble crystals of Epsom.

Thus, magnesium sulphate in water is a homogeneous mixture.

Note: Epsom salt or magnesium sulphate is added to the baths and used as a cosmetic. Magnesium sulphate is a white solid. It is soluble in water but it is not soluble in ethanol. The homogenous mixture is formed when salt is soluble in water and salt can be separated from the mixture by heating the mixture.