Exploring Mixtures and their Separation - How Can We Classify Mixtures?

A mixture is a substance that consists of two or more types of particles (atoms or molecules) which are not chemically combined but are physically mixed together in any proportion.

Homogeneous Mixtures have a uniform composition throughout. The components are not visible separately. Example: A solution of sugar in water.

Heterogeneous Mixtures have a non-uniform composition and contain physically distinct parts. Example: A mixture of salt and iron filings.

A Solution is a homogeneous mixture of two or more substances. The particle size is less than $1\text{ nm}$ ($10^{-9}\text{ m}$) in diameter. They do not scatter a beam of light passing through them.

A Suspension is a heterogeneous mixture in which the solute particles do not dissolve but remain suspended throughout the bulk of the medium. Particle size is larger than $100\text{ nm}$.

A Colloid is a heterogeneous mixture where the particle size ($1\text{ nm}$ to $100\text{ nm}$) is intermediate between a true solution and a suspension. They are stable and show the Tyndall effect (scattering of a beam of light).

Saturated Solution: A solution in which no more solute can be dissolved at a given temperature.

Solubility: The maximum amount of solute that can be dissolved in $100\text{ g}$ of a solvent at a specified temperature.