JSS 2: MIXTURES

A mixture is a substance that contains two or more constituents that can easily be separated by physical methods. Examples of mixtures are Air, Soil, Urine, Palm wine, Crude oil, Sea water, Blood, Alloy, etc

              Types of Mixtures

The two types of mixtures are:

I. Homogeneous Mixtures

II. Heterogeneous Mixtures

        A. Homogeneous Mixtures

Homogeneous Mixtures have a uniform composition throughout. The different components cannot be easily seen. They are also called solutions.

Examples:

Sugar dissolved in water

Air

Alcohol in water

         B. Heterogeneous Mixtures

Heterogeneous Mixtures have a non-uniform composition. The components can be easily seen and separated.

Examples:

Sand and water

Oil and water

Salt and pepper

           Properties of Mixtures

1. Components are not chemically combined.

2. Components can be separated by physical methods.

3. Composition is not fixed.

4. No energy (heat) change during formation.

5. Each component retains its properties.

                 Separation of Mixtures

Different methods are used depending on the physical properties of the components: size, density, boiling point, solubility, etc.

Some of the methods used in the separation of Mixtures includes:

Filtration

Evaporation to dryness 

Distillation

Decantation

Magnetic Separation

Sublimation

Chromatography

Centrifugation etc.