Difference Between Homogenous And Heterogeneous Mixture With Examples

In physical chemistry and material science, a mixture is the physical combination of two or more substances in which the identities are retained and are mixed in the form of solutions, suspensions and colloids.

One major characteristic of mixtures is that they can be separated into their components, since each part of the mixture has not reacted with another part of the mixture, the identities of the different material is unchanged. More importantly, boiling and the melting point of the mixture depend upon the characteristic of the constituents.

What Is A Homogenous Mixture?

A homogenous mixture can be described as a solid, liquid or gaseous mixture that has the same proportion of its components throughout any given sample. Generally, all solutions would be considered homogenous because the dissolved material is present in the same amount throughout the solution.

Examples include:

• Milk
• Gasoline
• Vinegar
• Sugar solution
• Corn oil/cooking oil
• Common salt
• Fog
• Vodka
• Orange juice
• Rain water
• Saline solution
• Most alloys
• Soda
• Air

Characteristic Of Homogenous Mixture

• In this type of mixtures, the components are uniformly distributed throughout the mixture.
• The components of the mixture are not visible to the naked eye, but visible through the microscope.
• The constituents cannot be easily separated.
• Some homogenous mixtures cannot be separated by physical means.
• The particles appear smaller in size.
• They are generally referred to as solutions.
• Homogenous mixtures are pure substances.
• The whole mixture is in a single (same) phase. A phase is any part of a sample that has a uniform composition and properties.

What Is A Heterogeneous Mixture?

A heterogeneous mixture is a mixture in which the composition is not uniform throughout the mixture.  The composition varies from one region to another with at least two phases that remain separated from each other, with clearly identifiable properties.

Examples Include:

• Mud and water
• Beach sand
• Air with cloud
• Mixture of oil and water
• Smog
• Blood
• Ink
• Sugar and sand
• Chicken noodle soup

Characteristics Of Heterogeneous Mixture

• In this mixture, the composition is not uniformly throughout the mixture.
• The components of the mixture are easily visible to the naked eye and through the microscope.
• The constituents can be easily separated.
• Heterogeneous mixtures can be separated by physical means.
• The particles are either smaller or larger in size.
• They are generally referred to as suspensions/colloids.
• Heterogeneous substances are not pure substances.
• Substances can consist of two phases and layers.

Also Read: Difference Between Compound And Mixture

Difference Between Homogenous And Heterogeneous Mixture In Tabular Form