A mixture is a physical combination of two or more substances that are not chemically combined. The substances retain their individual chemical properties and identities within the mixture
. Unlike compounds, mixtures do not involve chemical bonding or changes; instead, the components are mechanically mixed and can be separated by physical methods such as filtration, distillation, or freezing
. Key characteristics of mixtures include:
- Variable composition: The proportions of substances in a mixture can vary
- Retention of individual properties: Each component keeps its own chemical and physical properties
- Separation by physical means: Components can be separated without chemical reactions
- Types: Mixtures can be homogeneous (uniform composition, e.g., salt water) or heterogeneous (non-uniform composition, e.g., sand and water)
Common examples of mixtures are air (a mixture of gases), seawater (water and salts), crude oil (various hydrocarbons), and ink (colored dyes)
. Mixtures can be further classified based on particle size and distribution into solutions, suspensions, and colloids
. In summary, a mixture is an impure substance formed by physically combining substances without chemical bonding, allowing each component to maintain its own identity and be separable by physical methods
