How would you classify raisin bran?
A mixture-homogeneous
B pure substance-element
C none of the above
D pure substance compound
E mixture-heterogeneous
The correct answer and explanation is :
The correct answer is:
E) Mixture – Heterogeneous
Explanation:
Understanding Mixtures and Pure Substances
Matter can be classified into two broad categories: pure substances and mixtures.
- Pure substances include elements (made of only one type of atom) and compounds (made of two or more elements chemically bonded together).
- Mixtures consist of two or more substances physically combined, where each substance retains its properties.
Homogeneous vs. Heterogeneous Mixtures
Mixtures can be either homogeneous or heterogeneous:
- Homogeneous mixtures (solutions) have a uniform composition throughout. Examples include saltwater and air.
- Heterogeneous mixtures have visibly distinct components and are not uniform throughout. Examples include salad, trail mix, and cereal with milk.
Why Raisin Bran is a Heterogeneous Mixture
Raisin bran consists of two main components: raisins and bran flakes. These components are not evenly distributed and can be physically separated. When you pour a bowl of raisin bran, you can see distinct flakes and raisins in different areas, meaning the mixture is not uniform. If it were homogeneous, every spoonful would contain the same proportion of raisins and flakes, which is not the case.
Additionally, no chemical reaction occurs between the raisins and the bran flakes—they are simply mixed together. This confirms that raisin bran is a heterogeneous mixture, making option E the correct answer.