Types of Mixtures

A mixture is composed of two or more types of matter that can be present in varying amounts and can be separated by physical changes, such as evaporation. (A) A mixture with a composition that varies from point to point is called a heterogeneous mixture. (B) Italian dressing is an example of a heterogeneous mixture. (C) Its composition can vary because we can make it from varying amounts of oil, vinegar, and herbs. (D) It is not the same from point to point throughout the mixture—one drop may be mostly vinegar, whereas a different drop may be mostly oil or herbs because the oil and vinegar separate and the herbs settle. Other examples of heterogeneous mixtures are chocolate chip cookies (we can see the separate bits of chocolate, nuts, and cookie dough) and granite (we can see the quartz, mica, and more).

A homogeneous mixture, also called a solution, exhibits a uniform composition and appears visually the same throughout. An example of a solution is a sports drink, consisting of water, sugar, coloring, flavoring, and electrolytes mixed together uniformly. Each drop of a sports drink tastes the same because each drop contains the same amounts of water, sugar, and other components. Note that the composition of a sports drink can vary—it could be made with somewhat more or less sugar, flavoring, or other components, and still be a sports drink. Other examples of homogeneous mixtures include air, maple syrup, gasoline, and a solution of salt in water.

Q. In paragraph 1 there is a missing sentence. Look at the four squares [A, B, C, D] that indicate where the sentence could be added. Where would the sentence best fit?

Though there are specific types of mixtures within them, the two principal categories of mixture are heterogeneous and homogeneous.