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Lesson 2.1
Homogeneous and Heterogeneous Mixtures
Contents
Introduction 1
Learning Objectives 2
Warm Up 2
Bibliography 17
Unit 2: Separating Mixtures
Lesson 2.1
Homogeneous and Heterogeneous
Mixtures
Introduction
A cup of coffee, a bottle of wine, and a puddle of mud have something in common. These
are all examples of mixtures. A cup of coffee contains water, coffee extract, sugar, and
sometimes milk. Wine is made up of alcohol and water, the products of fermentation. A
puddle of mud is composed of dirt, water, and possibly other substances. Mixtures are a
classification of matter which is made up of two or more pure substances that can have
varying compositions. In this lesson, you will learn about the different classifications of
mixtures.
2.1. Homogeneous and Heterogeneous Mixtures 1
Unit 2: Separating Mixtures
Warm Up
Mixing It Up! 15 minutes
In this activity, you will observe properties of some common mixtures.
Materials
● graduated cylinder, 50 mL
● beakers, 100 mL
● stirring rod
● flashlight
● rock salt
● sand
● water
● milk
Procedure
1. Prepare three beakers and label them as A, B, and C.
2. Fill beakers A and B with 100 mL of water. Fill beaker C with 100 mL of milk.
3. Add a pinch of rock salt to beaker A. Stir and record your observation in Table 2.1.1.
4. Add a pinch of sand to beaker B. Stir and record your observation in Table 2.1.1.
5. Stir the contents of beaker C vigorously, and record your observation in Table 2.1.1.
2.1. Homogeneous and Heterogeneous Mixtures 2
Unit 2: Separating Mixtures
6. Perform the flashlight test to each beaker. Place the flashlight on the side of the
beaker and turn it on. Observe if the light shines through the beaker, seeing it on the
other end. Record your observations in Table 2.1.1.
7. Answer the guide questions that follow.
Observation Table
Table 2.1.1. Observations on some examples of mixtures
Flashlight Test
Beaker Observations (Does the light pass through or
not?)
A
B
C
Guide Questions
1. What happened after dissolving rock salt in water? How many phases do you see?
2. What happened after mixing sand and water? How many phases do you see?
3. How many phases do you see in milk?
4. Which of the mixtures allowed the light from the flashlight to pass through it directly?
2.1. Homogeneous and Heterogeneous Mixtures 3
Unit 2: Separating Mixtures
Classifying Mixtures
Almost every sample of matter that we ordinarily encounter every day is a mixture. The
combined substances in mixtures can be mixed in varied proportions. In a mixture,
substances do not react with each other.
For example, take a mixture of salt and pepper. Salt and pepper are physically mixed
together, but they do not combine chemically to form a new substance with new properties.
Each component in the salt and pepper mixture retains its original properties. The salt
remains salty, while pepper remains spicy. Also, we can make an infinite number of different
mixtures of salt and pepper by varying the relative amounts of the two components used.
Fig. 2.1.1. When salt and pepper are combined together, a mixture is formed.
Since the components of a mixture are combined physically, the components can be easily
separated by physical means as well. In order to separate the two components in the salt
and pepper mixture in Fig. 2.1.1, you could treat it with water to dissolve the salt, collect the
pepper by filtration, and then evaporate the water to obtain the salt in solid form. The
techniques illustrated are some examples of separation techniques that can be employed in
mixtures. Other ways of separating mixtures include sieving, decantation, distillation, and
chromatography, to name a few. These techniques will be further discussed in the
succeeding lessons.
Remember
In any mixture, the composition can be varied, and each component
of the mixture retains its own properties.
2.1. Homogeneous and Heterogeneous Mixtures 4
Unit 2: Separating Mixtures
A mixture can be classified based on the distribution of the components. It can be classified
as a homogeneous mixture or a heterogeneous mixture.
How can you differentiate between homogeneous
and heterogeneous mixtures?
Homogeneous Mixtures
A homogeneous mixture is a type of mixture that has uniform composition and properties.
The components of a homogeneous mixture are spread out evenly all throughout. It has
only one phase; thus, the components cannot be distinguished from each other.
Homogeneous mixtures are also called solutions. Shown below are some examples of
homogeneous mixtures that you may encounter in your daily life.
2.1. Homogeneous and Heterogeneous Mixtures 5
Unit 2: Separating Mixtures
throughout, is called a heterogeneous mixture. A heterogeneous mixture has varying
composition and properties. It may have two or more phases, and the individual substances
are visually distinct. Shown below are some examples of heterogeneous mixtures that you
may encounter in your daily life.
2.1. Homogeneous and Heterogeneous Mixtures 6
Unit 2: Separating Mixtures
Consider brine as an example of a homogeneous mixture. Its components are salt and
water. In this mixture, salt is the solute and water is the solvent. Once you dissolve the salt
in water and stir it vigorously, a brine solution is prepared. This liquid mixture has a uniform
appearance.
Remember
Homogeneous mixtures are mixtures whose components are
evenly distributed and cannot be distinguished from one another.
They are also called solutions.
Types of Solutions
Solutions may be classified based on the physical state of the solvent—namely, solid, liquid,
and gaseous solutions.
Liquid solutions are solutions wherein the solvent is in the liquid phase. It is the most
common type of solution. It could be a solid-liquid solution, liquid-liquid solution, or a
gas-liquid solution. Seawater is an example of a liquid solution. Salts of calcium and sodium
are the solutes, while water is the solvent. Listed in the table below are some examples of
liquid solutions.
Table 2.1.2. Some examples of liquid solutions
Solid solutions are solutions wherein the solvent is in the solid phase. For example, alloys
are solid solutions because they are made up of metal mixed together with another metal.
Listed in the table below are some examples of solid solutions.
2.1. Homogeneous and Heterogeneous Mixtures 7
Unit 2: Separating Mixtures
Table 2.1.3. Some examples of solid solutions.
Gaseous solutions are solutions wherein the solvent is in the gaseous phase. Air is an
example of a gaseous solution. When it is free of particulate matter or mist, the air is a
mixture of gases composed of several gases like oxygen, argon, carbon dioxide, water
vapor, and some trace amounts of other substances that are all dissolved in nitrogen gas,
the most abundant gas component in the atmosphere.
Suspensions and Colloids: Heterogeneous Mixtures
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.
How can you determine the type of heterogeneous
mixture?
Suspensions
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.
2.1. Homogeneous and Heterogeneous Mixtures 8
Unit 2: Separating Mixtures
Sand in water is an example of a suspension. When sand is mixed with water, it will initially
look like a hazy mixture. But after some time, the sand will settle at the bottom of the
container. It forms two distinct layers of sand and water.
Fig. 2.1.4. Sand in water is an example of a suspension.
Other examples of suspensions include mud (soil suspended in water), dust (solid soot and
ash particles suspended in air), and vegetable soup (vegetable suspended in water).
Colloids
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 have larger particles than solutions but smaller particles
than suspensions.
Colloids, like solutions, can be classified based on the physical state of the dispersing
medium. They can be classified either as gaseous colloids, liquid colloids, or solid colloids.
2.1. Homogeneous and Heterogeneous Mixtures 9
Unit 2: Separating Mixtures
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. An example of a solid aerosol is smoke. Smoke contains solid
particulate matter or very small particles that are dispersed in the air. A liquid aerosol is
formed when the dispersed phase is a liquid. Deodorant spray is an example of a liquid
aerosol, where the liquid deodorant solution is suspended in the air when it is sprayed.
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 disperse phase suspended in a
liquid is called a liquid sol. An example of liquid sol is ink. The solid, insoluble pigments are
suspended in a liquid organic solvent in ink. On the other hand, a liquid suspended in
another liquid is called an emulsion. Milk is an example of an emulsion as liquid fats and
proteins are dispersed in water. Finally, a gas suspended in a liquid is called a liquid foam.
One example is shaving foam. Air is dispersed in the liquid soap medium to form the foamy
texture in shaving 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. Styrofoam is an example because gas is suspended in a solid polymer matrix of
polystyrene. On the other hand, a liquid suspended in a solid is called a gel. An example of a
gel is Jell-O. Liquid water molecules are dispersed in a solid gelatin matrix. Finally, a solid
suspended in another solid is called a solid sol. Colored glass is an example of a solid sol
because insoluble solid pigments are suspended in the solid matrix of the glass. Listed in
the table below are some examples of colloids and their corresponding types.
The observable difference between solution, suspension, and colloid is the solute’s particle
size. In a solution, its particles are very small that they cannot be seen by the naked eye. The
solute particles are evenly distributed in the solvent. In a suspension, the particles are very
large that they can be distinguished by the naked eye. These particles are insoluble. Initially,
suspensions may appear homogeneous. But after some time, the particles of a suspension
settle down, making it heterogeneous. Intermediate to the particle sizes of solutions and
suspensions are that of colloids. Although the particles in a colloid may appear to be evenly
distributed, the particles are not totally dissolved, and they do not settle after some time.
2.1. Homogeneous and Heterogeneous Mixtures 10
Unit 2: Separating Mixtures
Table 2.1.4. Some examples of colloids
Remember
Heterogeneous mixtures are mixtures of two or more phases
combined together with varying composition and properties. A
heterogeneous mixture can be classified either as a suspension or
colloid.
2.1. Homogeneous and Heterogeneous Mixtures 11
Unit 2: Separating Mixtures
2.1. Homogeneous and Heterogeneous Mixtures 12
Unit 2: Separating Mixtures
When light passes through a given mixture and the light scatters, the mixture is a colloid.
Colloids have an intermediate particle size. Due to its intermediate particle size, some light
can pass through, and some are blocked and scattered. Unlike a suspension, colloids are
not necessarily opaque. Among the three, only colloids exhibit the Tyndall effect. For
example, milk is a colloid composed of fat and proteins suspended in water. It appears
homogeneous since the suspended fat particles are too small. However, these particles are
too big to be evenly distributed like solutes in solutions. Therefore, these colloidal particles
scatter light.
Tips
When differentiating between homogeneous and heterogeneous
mixtures, you should first look for uniformity. If the mixture has only
one phase, it is a homogeneous mixture (solution). If it has two or
more phases, it is a heterogeneous mixture. Colloids may appear
homogeneous; hence, it is better to check if colloidal particles are
present by passing a ray of light through the mixture. If the light
scatters, the mixture is a colloid. If the light passes through, the
mixture is a solution. To check if the mixture is a suspension, let it sit
for some time and observe if large particles will settle at the bottom.
2.1. Homogeneous and Heterogeneous Mixtures 13
Unit 2: Separating Mixtures
___________________________ 1. It is the mixture that has a constant appearance all
throughout.
2.1. Homogeneous and Heterogeneous Mixtures 14
Unit 2: Separating Mixtures
C. Complete the table below by classifying the given mixtures as a
solution, suspension, or colloid. Identify the phases of the solute
(dispersed phase) and the solvent (dispersing medium) as well.
2.1. Homogeneous and Heterogeneous Mixtures 15
Unit 2: Separating Mixtures
Phase
Mixture Classification
Solute (or Solvent (or
Dispersed Phase) Dispersing Medium)
1. rubbing alcohol
2. whipped cream
3. chalk in water
4. vinegar
5. fog
Challenge Yourself
1. Gladys wants to make a cup of hot tea. She dipped a tea bag into a cup of hot water
and noticed that the color of the liquid changed as the tea and hot water mixed
together.
a. What type of mixture did Gladys prepare? Explain your answer.
Then, Gladys decided to open the tea bag and pour the contents into the same cup.
b. What type of mixture did Gladys prepare now? Explain your answer.
c. What should Gladys do to make the new mixture have the same properties as
the first mixture she prepared?
2. After using the restroom, you washed your hands in the sink. You pumped the liquid
soap dispenser only to find out that instead of liquid, foam was supplied.
a. What type of heterogeneous mixture did you observe?
b. How will you describe the soap before and after dispensing it?
c. How will you explain the change from liquid soap to a foamy soap?
2.1. Homogeneous and Heterogeneous Mixtures 16
Unit 2: Separating Mixtures
Bibliography
Brown, Theodore L. 2004. Chemistry: The Central Science (11th ed). Singapore: Pearson
Education (Asia) Pte Ltd. Print.
Chang, Raymond. 2010. Chemistry (10th ed). New York: McGraw-Hill. Print.
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.
2.1. Homogeneous and Heterogeneous Mixtures 17