Upon completion of this topic, learners will be able to:

• classify mixtures as homogeneous or heterogeneous based on their appearance.
• identify the solute and solvent in a given solution.

Mixtures are of two types: homogeneous and heterogeneous.

A. Homogeneous mixtures

A homogeneous mixture is a mixture in which the components that make up the mixture are uniformly distributed throughout the mixture. The composition of the mixture is same throughout. There is only one phase of matter observed in a homogeneous mixture at a time.

There are several examples of homogeneous mixtures encountered in everyday life; these include air, aqueous solution of NaCl, vinegar, dishwashing detergent, and steel.

B. Heterogeneous mixtures

A heterogeneous mixture is a mixture in which the component parts of the mixture are not uniform. Different samples from the mixture are not identical to each other. There are always two or more phases in a heterogeneous mixture, where you can identify a region with properties that are distinct from those of another region.

Where do solutions fit in this classification scheme?

A solution is a homogeneous mixture of two or more substances with each substance retaining its own chemical identity.

A simple binary solution has two components: a solute and a solvent.

Solute is the component that is dissolved or is the less abundant component in the solution. It is the component of the solution that changes physical state.