Grade 7

Grade 7Elements, Compounds, and Mixtures


Definition of Mixture


Chemistry is the science that studies substances, how they interact, combine, and change to form new substances. At a basic level, chemistry introduces us to the concept of elements, compounds, and mixtures. Today, we are going to explore what a mixture is, its definition, types, properties, and examples.

What is a mixture?

A mixture is a combination of two or more substances that are not chemically bonded to one another. In a mixture, the substances retain their own properties and can often be separated by physical methods. When you have a mixture, each substance in it still appears and maintains its original properties.

Types of mixtures

There are mainly two types of mixtures: homogeneous mixture and heterogeneous mixture.

1. Homogeneous mixture

A homogeneous mixture has a uniform appearance and composition. It is also called a solution. Everything is mixed evenly, and you cannot see the separate parts.

Examples include:

  • sugar dissolved in water
  • salt water
  • air (a mixture of different gases)
H2O + C12H22O11 = Sugar solution H2O + NaCl = Saltwater

Consider a solution of salt in water. The salt dissolves in water and is dispersed uniformly, meaning it is the same throughout the water. Therefore, you cannot see individual particles of salt; they disappear into the water.

2. Heterogeneous mixture

Heterogeneous mixtures contain visibly distinct substances or phases. The individual components can be seen because they are not mixed uniformly. They can often be physically separated.

Examples include:

  • sand and water
  • salad
  • oil and water

For example, in a mixture of sand and water, the sand will settle at the bottom because sand does not dissolve in water, and they are clearly visible and can be separated by processes such as filtration.

Separation of mixtures

Since mixtures are made up of substances that are not chemically combined, they can be separated into their components by physical methods. Some common techniques for separating mixtures are as follows:

Filtration

Filtration is used to separate a solid from a liquid by passing the mixture through a porous material such as a filter. An example of this is separating sand from water.

Used in: Sand + H2O

Distillation

Distillation is a process in which components are separated based on the difference in their boiling points. An example of this is the separation of alcohol from water.

Used in: H2O + Alcohol

Evaporation

Evaporation is used to separate soluble solids from liquids. When one component evaporates, the other is left behind. An example of this is obtaining salt from salt water.

Used in: NaCl + H2O

Properties of mixtures

Mixtures have specific properties that distinguish them from pure substances:

  • The components of a mixture retain their original properties.
  • The proportions of the components may vary.
  • Mixtures can be separated into their components by physical methods.

Because mixtures are not chemically bonded, each substance in the mixture retains its own properties. For example, a can of mixed fruit juice does not transform the different juices into a new substance. You can still taste the individual fruits.

Visual example 1: Fruit salad

Consider a fruit salad made from apples, bananas and grapes. Each piece of fruit is a component of the mixture.

<svg width="200" height="150" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg">
        <circle cx="50" cy="50" r="20" fill="red" />
        <text x="40" y="55" font-size="10" fill="white">Apple</text>
        <circle cx="150" cy="50" r="20" fill="yellow" />
        <text x="140" y="55" font-size="10" fill="black">Banana</text>
        <circle cx="100" cy="100" r="20" fill="purple" />
        <text x="90" y="105" font-size="10" fill="white">Grapes</text>
    </svg>

Visual example 2: Sand and iron filings

This mixture can be easily separated using a magnet, which will attract the iron filings and leave the sand behind.

<svg width="200" height="150" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg">
        <rect x="20" y="60" width="160" height="20" fill="tan" />
        <text x="20" y="55" font-size="10" fill="black">Sand</text>
        <line x1="30" y1="80" x2="170" y2="80" stroke="gray" stroke-width="2" />
        <text x="30" y="95" font-size="10" fill="black">Iron filings</text>
    </svg>

Real examples of mixtures

  • Atmosphere: The air we breathe is a mixture of nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide, and trace gases.
  • Seawater: It is a mixture of water, salt and other minerals.
  • Concrete: Made from a mixture of cement, water, sand and gravel.
  • Gunpowder: A mixture of sulfur, charcoal, and potassium nitrate.

Conclusion

Mixtures are important in both scientific studies and everyday life. Understanding the nature of mixtures and methods of separation is fundamental in chemistry because they apply to many scientific and industrial processes. Through this overview, you have explored the nature of mixtures, learned how they differ from pure substances, and how their components can sometimes be easily separated.


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