Classify each of the following mixtures as homogeneous or heterogeneous: a. vegetable soup b. seawater c. tea d. tea with ice and lemon slices e. fruit salad
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Here is the classification for each mixture:
- a. Vegetable soup: Heterogeneous
- b. Seawater: Homogeneous
- c. Tea: Homogeneous
- d. Tea with ice and lemon slices: Heterogeneous
- e. Fruit salad: Heterogeneous
A mixture is a substance made by combining two or more different materials without a chemical reaction occurring between them. The classification of a mixture as either homogeneous or heterogeneous depends entirely on its uniformity and the visibility of its components.
A homogeneous mixture has a uniform composition and appearance throughout. The individual components are so finely mixed, typically at the molecular level, that they cannot be seen separately, even with a microscope. The mixture exists in a single phase, whether it be solid, liquid, or gas. Seawater is a perfect example. It contains water and various dissolved salts and minerals, but you cannot see the individual salt particles. The entire volume of water appears as one uniform liquid. Similarly, brewed tea, after the leaves are removed, is homogeneous. The compounds from the tea leaves have dissolved completely into the water, creating a solution with a consistent color and taste in every sip.
On the other hand, a heterogeneous mixture has a non-uniform composition, and its individual components are often visibly distinguishable. You can see distinct parts or regions within the mixture. These components are not evenly distributed. Vegetable soup is a classic heterogeneous mixture because you can easily identify the different components like carrots, peas, potatoes, and the liquid broth. Each spoonful can have a different composition. The same logic applies to a fruit salad, where you can clearly see and pick out individual pieces of strawberries, grapes, and melon. Finally, tea with ice and lemon slices is heterogeneous. While the tea itself is homogeneous, the addition of solid ice cubes and lemon slices, which do not dissolve and are visually distinct from the liquid, creates a mixture with multiple visible phases and a non-uniform composition.
