Detailed Summary
Mixtures are combinations of two or more pure substances where the constituents retain their individual properties. These can be classified into two main categories:
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Homogeneous Mixtures: Also known as solutions, these mixtures have a uniform composition throughout. Examples include salt dissolved in water and sugar dissolved in tea. In homogeneous mixtures, the individual components cannot be distinguished visually, and they do not settle over time.
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Heterogeneous Mixtures: These mixtures contain visibly distinguishable parts and have a non-uniform composition. Examples include salad and sand mixed with iron filings. The components in heterogeneous mixtures can often be separated physically.
Experiments that illustrate these concepts often involve the use of solutions and suspensions, highlighting their unique properties, such as the Tyndall effect. Understanding mixtures is crucial in various scientific and practical applications, as it lays the foundation for more complex topics such as solutions and colloids.