Definition of Mixture in Chemistry | Types, Characteristics and Examples

Definition of mixture in chemistry

In chemistry, a mixture is formed by the combination of two or more substances (elements or compounds) without any chemical reaction. In a mixture, these substances are not present in a fixed ratio, retain their chemical properties, and can be separated by simple physical methods.

General characteristics of a mixture

Mixtures have certain characteristics that distinguish them from compounds. These characteristics are:

1. The components of a mixture keep their chemical properties.
2. The components of a mixture can be separated by physical methods such as filtration, evaporation, or sublimation.
3. Mixtures can be homogenous or heterogeneous.
4. Variable quantities of components are present in a mixture.
5. No change in energy takes place when a mixture is formed.
6. No chemical formula is used to express the components of a mixture.
7. The boiling and melting points of a mixture are depended on combining components.

Example of mixture

Some examples of mixtures are:

Soil: made up of clay, sand, water, salts, and air.
Air: a mixture of oxygen, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and water vapors.
Blood: a mixture of bed blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and water.
Ice cream: a mixture of ice, sugar, and water.
Gunpowder: a mixture of carbon, sulphur, and potassium nitrate.
Petroleum: a mixture of cycloalkanes, alkanes, and aromatic hydrocarbons.
Urine: a mixture of urea, chlorine, sodium, and water.
Milk: a mixture of sugar, fat, protein, and water.

Types of mixtures

Mixtures are divided into two types.

1. Homogenous mixture
2. Heterogeneous mixture

1. Homogenous mixture

A mixture having a uniform composition of its components throughout a given sample is called a homogenous mixture.

For example, the air is a homogenous mixture of oxygen, nitrogen, and other gases. A solution of salt or sugar in a glass of water is also an example of a homogenous mixture.

2. Heterogeneous mixture

It does not have a uniform composition of its components in a given sample. The composition and properties of a heterogeneous mixture are different at different parts.

Example: Soil is a heterogeneous mixture as its composition differs in various places. A mixture of salt and sugar is heterogeneous.

Some Answers and questions

1. What are 2 types of mixtures?

A. The two types of mixture are a homogenous and heterogeneous mixture. The homogenous mixture has a uniform property of its components throughout the sample, while the heterogeneous mixture does not have a uniform composition of its components in a given samples.

2. Is salt a mixture?

A. No, salt is a compound because sodium and chlorine are combined by a chemical reaction to form sodium chloride or salt.

3. Give 5 examples of mixtures.

A. Blood, air, gunpowder, brass, milk are examples of mixtures.

4. Is sugar solution a mixture?

A. Yes, sugar in water makes a mixture. Sugar can be separated from water by evaporation or crystallization methods.