What distinguishes a substance from a mixture?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking for the differences between a substance and a mixture in terms of their definitions, properties, and characteristics.
Answer
A pure substance has a constant composition; a mixture retains individual substances' identities.
A pure substance has a definite and constant composition, whereas a mixture is composed of two or more substances that retain their individual chemical identities.
Answer for screen readers
A pure substance has a definite and constant composition, whereas a mixture is composed of two or more substances that retain their individual chemical identities.
More Information
Elements and compounds are classified as pure substances. Mixtures can be heterogeneous (different parts visible) or homogeneous (uniform composition).
Tips
One common mistake is assuming mixtures cannot be uniform (homogeneous), but they can be, like in the case of solutions.
Sources
- Pure Substances and Mixtures - Byjus - byjus.com
- How to Distinguish Pure Substances and Mixtures - Dummies.com - dummies.com
- Distinguishing between Mixtures and Pure Substances | Chemistry - study.com
