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Lesson 2.4
Chemistry of Commercial Products: Mixtures
Contents
Introduction 1
Learning Objectives 2
Warm Up 2
Bibliography 22
Unit 2: Separating Mixtures
Lesson 2.4
Chemistry of Commercial Products:
Mixtures
Introduction
You encounter mixtures in your everyday lives without even knowing it. As you have
learned from previous lessons, people routinely prepare and separate mixtures. When you
prepare your favorite powdered juice drink or your morning coffee, you are preparing
mixtures. When you filter coffee from the coffee grind, you are separating mixtures.
Mixtures are found in the commercial products that you use. These commercial products
take advantage of the differences in the physical and chemical properties of the constituent
substances in a mixture. In this lesson, you learn about the common homogeneous and
heterogeneous mixtures found in commercial products and compare them on the basis of
use safety, quality, and cost.
2.4. Chemistry of Commercial Products: Mixtures 1
Unit 2: Separating Mixtures
In this lesson, you should be able to do the ● Recognize the formulas of
common chemical substances
following:
(STEM_GC11MP-Ia-b-9).
● Recognize the common homogeneous ● Compare consumer products on
and heterogeneous mixtures found in the basis of their components for
Warm Up
Mixtures Found At
5 minutes
Home!
You encounter mixtures in your everyday life. To prove this, you are asked to bring any
commercial product that you can find at home that can be identified as a mixture.
Material
● any commercial product at home
Procedure
1. Bring to class any commercial product (food items, toiletries, cleaning agents, etc.)
that you can find at home that you can identify as a mixture.
2. Read the label of your item and look for the components present in the mixture.
Identify its main components. If the product label does not tell you what the
components are, do some prior research.
3. Inspect your item and try to classify it, whether it is a homogeneous mixture or a
heterogeneous mixture.
4. Answer the guide questions that follow.
2.4. Chemistry of Commercial Products: Mixtures 2
Unit 2: Separating Mixtures
Guide Questions
1. What are the main components of the mixture in your chosen commercial product?
2. Is it a homogeneous or a heterogeneous mixture? What was your basis in classifying
the mixture as such?
3. Expound on the use of your chosen commercial product.
2.4. Chemistry of Commercial Products: Mixtures 3
Unit 2: Separating Mixtures
mass ratios. Mixtures have variable mass ratios. Compounds are created by chemical
reactions. Mixtures are made by physically combining pure substances, whether they be
solids, liquids, or gases. Compounds can be separated into simpler substances by chemical
methods or reactions. Mixtures can be separated into simpler substances by physical
methods.
In this lesson, the importance of mixtures will be highlighted. Most of the commercial
products that you use or encounter everyday are mixtures. From the food that you eat to
the medicine that you take, up to the shampoo that you use when taking a bath, mixtures
are everywhere. In the fields of food, health, petroleum, cosmetics, and many others,
mixtures are of grave importance. In this lesson, some common homogeneous and
heterogeneous mixtures found in commercial products will be enumerated and compared
on the basis of use safety, quality, and cost.
Common Homogeneous Mixtures in Commercial Products
Recall that a homogeneous mixture is a mixture that consists of two or more pure
substances combined together in a manner that they cannot be distinguished from each
other. It only has one phase. The components of a homogeneous mixture are well
distributed altogether that the particles cannot be observed by the naked eye.
Homogeneous mixtures are often regarded as solutions. Recall that in a solution, one
component is uniformly dissolved and scattered in another component to form a
homogeneous composition. It consists of two components: the solvent and the solute.
Regardless of the states of the pure substances mixed together, the solvent is the one that
is more abundant in solutions. It is the dissolving medium. The solute is the component
present in less amount in a solution. It is the substance being dissolved.
When a solute dissolves in a solvent, the solute particles break apart into very small pieces
and get evenly distributed in the bulk of the solution. This results in a mixture having a
consistent appearance and composition all throughout. The particles of a solution are too
small to be seen by the naked eye and to be distinguished from each other.
2.4. Chemistry of Commercial Products: Mixtures 4
Unit 2: Separating Mixtures
Fig. 2.4.1. Components of a solution
2.4. Chemistry of Commercial Products: Mixtures 5
Unit 2: Separating Mixtures
in the kitchen to add flavor to dishes. Vinegar is a liquid solution of acetic acid in water.
Most kinds of vinegar found in the market have 4% acetic acid concentration. By law,
vinegar is required to have at least 4 grams of acetic acid in 100 mL of water. On the other
hand, fish sauce, or patis, is a liquid solution made from fish or krill that have been coated
in salt and fermented for an ample amount of time. Simply speaking, it is a salt solution. It is
used as a staple seasoning in East Asian and Southeast Asian cuisine. According to the data
from the US Department of Agriculture, the fish sauce contains 7.851 grams of sodium
(related to salt since table salt is sodium chloride).
Other common homogeneous mixtures in commercial products that you often encounter
are drinks. Soft drinks, fruit juices, and alcoholic beverages that you buy in your local
supermarket and consume on a regular basis are examples of solutions. In general, soft
drinks and fruit juices are usually made up of sugars that are dissolved in water. Flavorings
and coloring were added to it for variations. However, when soft drinks are poured into a
glass, bubbles start to form as the carbon dioxide gas dissipates from the solution. You then
can see with the naked eye that the gas is distinct from the other components of the
solution. Thus, the soft drink is now a heterogeneous mixture.
2.4. Chemistry of Commercial Products: Mixtures 6
Unit 2: Separating Mixtures
Fig. 2.4.3. An unopened soft drink can or bottle contains a homogeneous mixture inside.
Once the contents are transferred to a different container, the soft drink becomes a
heterogeneous mixture.
On the other hand, alcoholic beverages are liquid solutions that are mainly composed of
ethanol in water. Ethanol or ethyl alcohol is an intoxicating agent. The alcohol content in
many alcoholic beverages vary, and it is the usual basis on classifying them. Alcoholic
beverages can be classified into the following three categories: beer, wine, or liquor. Beers
are brewed mainly from malted barley, hops, yeast, and water. Wines are made from
fermented grape juice or other fruits. Distilled spirits or liquors are made by fermentation
followed by distillation. On average, the alcohol content for beer is 4.5% (4.5 mL ethanol in
100 mL); for wine, 11.6% (11.6 mL ethanol in 100 mL); and for liquor, 37% (37 mL ethanol in
100 mL).
2.4. Chemistry of Commercial Products: Mixtures 7
Unit 2: Separating Mixtures
In the health industry, you also encounter solutions in many commercial products. Some
examples are shown below. Liquid medicines, like cough syrup, is an example of a liquid
solution. In some cases, diluting the concentrated liquid medicine with water is
recommended. Medicine tablets are also examples of solid solutions as they appear in
only one phase. For example, a 500-milligram paracetamol tablet is a homogeneous mixture
of paracetamol and some fillers. That is why if you try to weigh one paracetamol tablet, it is
not exactly 500 milligrams and is usually greater than that. The tablet contains 500
milligrams of paracetamol, and the rest are just fillers that hold the contents altogether in a
solid form. Similar to food products, the FDA monitors and regulates the flow of drugs in the
country, ensuring public health and safety. All medicines that are to be consumed by the
public must first be FDA-approved. This involves assuring the quality of the drug that should
abide by international standards.
2.4. Chemistry of Commercial Products: Mixtures 8
Unit 2: Separating Mixtures
Remember
Homogeneous mixtures or solutions are mixtures composed of two
or more substances combined together in a manner that the
components are indistinguishable from each other. They appear in
only one phase. Many commercial products that you use everyday
are solutions.
2.4. Chemistry of Commercial Products: Mixtures 9
Unit 2: Separating Mixtures
Fig. 2.4.7. IV fluids are examples of solutions.
Common Heterogeneous Mixtures in Commercial Products
Recall that heterogeneous mixtures are mixtures whose composition and appearance is not
consistent all throughout. The components of a heterogeneous mixture are visually distinct
from each other. It can have two or more phases. Heterogeneous mixtures can be further
classified based on the distribution of its components. There are two types, namely
suspensions and colloids.
A suspension is a type of heterogeneous mixture in which the solute particles do not
dissolve, but get suspended throughout the bulk of the solvent when left undisturbed. The
solutes form clumps or layers that do not easily break into smaller pieces. A separate,
distinct layer from the solvent will be formed when the solute settles due to gravity. The
separate layer is usually seen at the bottom of the container. Particles of a suspension are
larger than particles of a solution.
2.4. Chemistry of Commercial Products: Mixtures 10
Unit 2: Separating Mixtures
A colloid is a heterogeneous mixture in which a microscopically dispersed substance,
insoluble or soluble particles, is suspended throughout another substance. A colloid is made
up of a dispersed phase (solute-like particles) and a dispersing medium (solvent-like
medium). The dispersing medium can be regarded as a homogeneous mixture. Unlike
suspensions, colloids usually do not separate into layers or clumps. Its components may
separate, but it will take a very long time to do so. In addition to this, the dispersed phase
particles are very light and minute enough to stay suspended in the dispersing medium for
a long time, unlike the large particles that settle in suspensions.
Colloids can be considered as in between the homogeneous nature of solutions and the
heterogeneous nature of suspensions. Like solutions, colloids appear as though they have a
uniform composition. But unlike solutions, their particles are larger and are not evenly
distributed throughout the bulk of the dispersing medium. In terms of particle size of the
dispersed phase particles, colloids are between solutions and suspensions, with solutions
having the smallest and suspensions having the largest.
Recall that one way to differentiate colloids from solutions and suspensions is by the Tyndall
effect. Colloidal particles exhibit Brownian motion and cause the Tyndall effect. Brownian
motion is the random movement of particles suspended in gas or liquid. This random
movement of particles causes the scattering of light or the Tyndall effect. It is usually
demonstrated by passing a ray of light through a sample mixture. Through this test, the
mixture could be easily identified as a solution, suspension, or colloid.
2.4. Chemistry of Commercial Products: Mixtures 11
Unit 2: Separating Mixtures
2.4. Chemistry of Commercial Products: Mixtures 12
Unit 2: Separating Mixtures
Fig. 2.4.10. Condiments such as ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, and ranch are
heterogeneous mixtures.
On the other hand, mayonnaise is a colloid. To be specific, it is an emulsion, which means
it is a colloidal dispersion of one liquid in another. Mayonnaise is a mixture of vegetable oil
and vinegar, which is an aqueous solution of acetic acid as described previously. The oil
particles are distributed evenly in the aqueous mixture with the help of emulsifying agents.
In mayonnaise, the vegetable oil particles are introduced to the vinegar in the presence of
emulsifying agents in egg yolk. Similar components are present other mayo-based sauces
and emulsions. To see how mayonnaise is made, you watch the video below.
2.4. Chemistry of Commercial Products: Mixtures 13
Unit 2: Separating Mixtures
Recall that colloids can be classified based on the phase of the dispersing medium. They can
be classified either as gaseous colloids, liquid colloids, or solid colloids. Gaseous colloids
are colloids having the dispersing medium in the gaseous phase. The dispersed phase
particle can either be a solid or a liquid. A solid aerosol is formed when the dispersed
phase is a solid. A liquid aerosol is formed when the dispersed phase is a liquid. Liquid
colloids are colloids having the dispersing medium in the liquid phase. A solid, gas, or
another liquid can act as the dispersed phase. A solid dispersed phase suspended in a liquid
is called a liquid sol. On the other hand, a liquid suspended in another liquid is called an
emulsion. Finally, a gas suspended in a liquid is called a liquid foam. Lastly, solid colloids
are colloids having the dispersing medium in the solid phase. A gas, liquid, or another solid
can act as the dispersed phase. A gas dispersed in a solid is called a solid foam. On the
other hand, a liquid suspended in a solid is called a gel. Finally, a solid suspended in another
solid is called a solid sol.
As previously discussed, there is a huge variety in heterogeneous mixtures, especially in
colloids. This variety is manifested in many commercial products that you use and consume
on a regular basis. Listed in the table below are some examples of commercially available
products that are classified as colloids. Their corresponding types of colloid are also stated
below.
Remember
Heterogeneous mixtures are mixtures whose composition and
appearance is not consistent all throughout since components of a
are visually distinct from each other. It can have two or more
phases. They can be further classified as suspensions or colloids.
Many commercial products that you use everyday are
heterogeneous mixtures.
2.4. Chemistry of Commercial Products: Mixtures 14
Unit 2: Separating Mixtures
Table 2.4.1. Some commercially available products that are classified as colloids
Applications of Separation Methods in Commercial Products
As discussed in a previous lesson, each substance in a mixture has its own characteristic
properties that are different from the set of properties of any other substance. And so,
these properties can be taken advantage of in separating the components of a mixture from
each other. There are various separation techniques that can be employed in homogeneous
and heterogeneous mixtures. And, these techniques find great use in our daily lives and in a
variety of different industrial processes.
2.4. Chemistry of Commercial Products: Mixtures 15
Unit 2: Separating Mixtures
Fig. 2.4.11. The active components in medicine tablets must first be purified before mixing
with other components to form a solid homogeneous mixture.
In the petroleum industry, distillation is often used as a method to purify products. Crude oil
is a solution of different organic solvents. It is distilled in refineries to gasoline, kerosene and
other petroleum products in order to be acceptable for applications.
2.4. Chemistry of Commercial Products: Mixtures 16
Unit 2: Separating Mixtures
Fig. 2.4.12. A refinery where petroleum products are purified
Many industrial processes require clean water. However, the most common problem
encountered by industries is that a lot of particulate matter still remains suspended in tap
water. Tap water, therefore, is a heterogeneous mixture. Thus, separation techniques such
as sedimentation, centrifugation, microfiltration, and distillation are used to recover pure
water from tap water. By doing so, harmful substances are removed from the water before
using it. Industrial or even household water treatment includes the processing of tap water
to separate water from contaminants, making it suitable for usage. It may include
separation methods such as filtration, sedimentation, and use of activated carbon. Also, In
this way, tap or faucet water becomes more suitable for drinking because of the removal of
particulates, odor, color, and even some harmful, less persistent bacteria.
Fig. 2.4.14. A water filtration system
2.4. Chemistry of Commercial Products: Mixtures 17
Unit 2: Separating Mixtures
In the field of health and medicine, centrifugation is used to separate the components of
blood or urine for further laboratory testing. Blood is an example of a colloid. In blood
centrifugation, the blood extracted from the patient is placed in a centrifuge tube. This will
be placed in a centrifuge for a few minutes until the components are completely separated.
The liquid component of the blood will be decanted or filtered to separate the blood cells.
Fig. 2.4.15. A blood sample after centrifugation
Remember
Separation techniques on homogeneous and heterogeneous
mixtures play an important role in several industrial processes.
How would you know what separation technique(s)
is to be done on a certain mixture?
2.4. Chemistry of Commercial Products: Mixtures 18
Unit 2: Separating Mixtures
Key Points
___________________________________________________________________________________________
● Homogeneous mixtures or solutions are mixtures composed of two or more
substances combined together in a manner that the components are
indistinguishable from each other. They appear in only one phase. Many
commercial products that you use everyday are solutions.
● Heterogeneous mixtures are mixtures whose composition and appearance is not
consistent all throughout since components of a are visually distinct from each
other. It can have two or more phases. They can be further classified as
suspensions or colloids. Many commercial products that you use everyday are
heterogeneous mixtures.
● Separation techniques on homogeneous and heterogeneous mixtures play an
important role in several industrial processes.
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________ 1. It is the mixture that has a constant appearance all
throughout.
2.4. Chemistry of Commercial Products: Mixtures 19
Unit 2: Separating Mixtures
Phase
Mixture Classification
Solute (or Solvent (or
Dispersed Phase) Dispersing Medium)
1. mouthwash
2. shaving foam
3. brass
2.4. Chemistry of Commercial Products: Mixtures 20
Unit 2: Separating Mixtures
4. vinegar
5. an unopened
bottle of
carbonated
water
Challenge Yourself
1. Differentiate black coffee, latte, and iced latte in terms of the classification of
mixtures.
2. Differentiate an unopened bottle of soda and an opened bottle of soda in terms of
classifications of mixtures.
Photo Credits
The top portion of an IV pole with fluid bags deployed by BrokenSphere is licensed under
Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported via Wikimedia Commons.
Milli-Q Water Filtration Station by Proaudio55 is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia
Commons.
2.4. Chemistry of Commercial Products: Mixtures 21
Unit 2: Separating Mixtures
Bibliography
Bailey, Sharon, “Alcoholic Beverages: A Key Category of the Beverage Industry,” Market
Realist, Mar 27, 2015.
https://articles2.marketrealist.com/2015/03/alcoholic-beverages-key-category-bevera
ge-industry/#, last accessed on Feb 10, 2020.
Brown, Theodore L. 2004. Chemistry: The Central Science (11th ed). Singapore: Pearson
Education (Asia) Pte Ltd. Print.
Bryner, Michelle, “How Much Alcohol is in my Drink?,” Live Science, Jul 29, 2010.
https://www.livescience.com/32735-how-much-alcohol-is-in-my-drink.html, last
accessed on Feb 10, 2020.
Petrucci, Ralph H. General Chemistry: Principles and Modern Applications. Toronto, Ont.:
Pearson Canada, 2011. Print.
Silberberg, Martin S. 2009. Chemistry: The Molecular Nature of Matter and Change (5th ed).
New York: McGraw-Hill.
Whitten, Kenneth W. Chemistry (10th ed). Boston: Cengage Learning, 2013. Print.
2.4. Chemistry of Commercial Products: Mixtures 22