Which of the following are homogeneous mixtures? Which are heterogeneous mixtures? 4. X a. rubbing alcohol b. mixture of water and oil c. mixture of salt and pepper d. carbonated soft drink e. human breath
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
Here’s the classification of the given mixtures:
Homogeneous Mixtures:
a. Rubbing alcohol
d. Carbonated soft drink (when unopened)
e. Human breath
Heterogeneous Mixtures:
b. Mixture of water and oil
c. Mixture of salt and pepper
Explanation:
- Homogeneous Mixtures:
Homogeneous mixtures have a uniform composition throughout. The individual components are not visually distinguishable, and they exist in the same phase.
- Rubbing alcohol: It is a solution, typically of isopropanol and water, where the components mix completely to form a single phase. Its composition is uniform.
- Carbonated soft drink (when unopened): Before being opened, the carbon dioxide gas is dissolved evenly in the liquid under pressure, making it a uniform mixture. However, upon opening, the gas escapes, and it becomes heterogeneous as bubbles form.
- Human breath: This is a mixture of gases (oxygen, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, etc.) that are evenly distributed in the air, forming a homogeneous mixture.
- Heterogeneous Mixtures:
Heterogeneous mixtures do not have a uniform composition throughout. The individual components are visually distinguishable or exist in separate phases.
- Mixture of water and oil: This forms two distinct layers because oil is immiscible with water, meaning it does not mix. The two substances remain separate, making the mixture heterogeneous.
- Mixture of salt and pepper: The two solid components do not dissolve or combine chemically and remain physically distinct, making it a heterogeneous mixture.
By understanding the uniformity of the mixture and the miscibility of its components, one can easily classify substances as homogeneous or heterogeneous. This distinction is essential in fields like chemistry, environmental science, and material engineering.