A heterogeneous mixture is best described as a combination of two or more substances that are physically mixed but not chemically combined, resulting in a non-uniform composition where the individual components remain distinct and can often be seen with the naked eye or under a microscope
. The properties of a heterogeneous mixture include:
- Non-uniform composition: The mixture is not the same throughout; different parts may have different proportions of the components
- Visible, separate parts or phases: The individual substances retain their own properties and are physically distinct, often allowing you to see or separate them easily
- Components can be separated by physical means: Methods such as filtration, picking out parts, or decantation can be used to separate the substances
- Chemical properties remain unchanged: The substances in the mixture do not react chemically with each other and maintain their original chemical identities
Common examples include salad, trail mix, oil and water, and sand in water
. In summary, a heterogeneous mixture is a mixture in which the composition and appearance are not uniform throughout, and the different substances remain physically separate and easily identifiable
