Mixtures and Separation Techniques

Study Notes

Mixtures

Solutions

A homogeneous mixture composed of two or more substances, where one substance (solute) is dissolved in another substance (solvent)
Particles are evenly distributed throughout the mixture
Examples: saltwater, sugar water, and air (oxygen, nitrogen, and other gases)

Types of Mixtures

Homogeneous Mixtures: Uniform composition throughout, particles are evenly distributed
- Examples: solutions, alloys (metal mixtures)
Heterogeneous Mixtures: Non-uniform composition, particles are not evenly distributed
- Examples: sand and water, blood (cells, proteins, and plasma)

Separation Techniques

Filtration: Separating a mixture based on particle size, using a filter or membrane
- Examples: coffee filters, water purification systems
Decantation: Separating a mixture based on density, by pouring off the top layer
- Examples: separating oil and water, separating cream from milk
Centrifugation: Separating a mixture based on density, using centrifugal force
- Examples: separating blood components, separating cream from milk
Crystallization: Separating a mixture based on solubility, by cooling a solution
- Examples: separating salt from seawater, separating sugar from a sugar solution
Chromatography: Separating a mixture based on properties like affinity, size, and charge
- Examples: separating pigments in plants, separating proteins in biological samples

Description

Test your knowledge of mixtures, including solutions, homogeneous and heterogeneous mixtures, and various separation techniques like filtration, decantation, centrifugation, crystallization, and chromatography.