Which of the following is an example of a heterogeneous mixture?
A) sugar water
B) oil and vinegar
C) air
D) vodka
The correct answer and explanation is :
The correct answer is B) oil and vinegar.
Explanation:
A heterogeneous mixture is a mixture where the components are not uniformly distributed, meaning you can distinguish the individual substances within the mixture. In a heterogeneous mixture, the different components retain their distinct properties, and they can often be separated physically.
Let’s analyze each option:
- A) Sugar water:
- Sugar water is a homogeneous mixture, not a heterogeneous one. When sugar dissolves in water, it forms a uniform solution. The sugar molecules are evenly distributed in the water, making it impossible to distinguish between sugar and water without using a microscope. This is a prime example of a solution, which is a type of homogeneous mixture.
- B) Oil and vinegar:
- Oil and vinegar is a heterogeneous mixture. Oil and vinegar do not mix uniformly because oil is non-polar and vinegar is polar. This causes the two substances to separate, with oil forming a layer on top of the vinegar. When you look at this mixture, you can clearly see two distinct layers of oil and vinegar, which makes it a heterogeneous mixture.
- C) Air:
- Air is a homogeneous mixture, although it may seem like it’s made of different gases. The gases (primarily nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide, and trace gases) are thoroughly mixed on a molecular level. Since these gases are evenly distributed, air is considered homogeneous, and you cannot see the individual gases with the naked eye.
- D) Vodka:
- Vodka is another example of a homogeneous mixture. It is a mixture of water and ethanol (alcohol), and the two liquids are completely miscible. Like sugar water, the components of vodka are uniformly distributed throughout the solution, making it homogeneous.
Therefore, oil and vinegar stands out as the only option that exhibits the characteristics of a heterogeneous mixture, where the individual substances are distinct and can be physically separated.