|
Mixtures can be combined either as solutions, suspensions, or colloids.
|
|
Likewise, mixtures can be either homogeneous or heterogeneous.
|
|
In a homogeneous mixture, the make up is uniform and every constituent of the mixture has the same properties.
|
|
In a heterogeneous mixture, the various components are visible since there are different phases taking place among the parts.
|
|
Air would be an example of a homogeneous mixture, while sand and water would be an example of a heterogeneous mixture.
|
|
A solution would occur when there is only one phase present in the components, making it a homogeneous mixture.
|
|
In this case, a solute (substance) is completely dissolved in another substance, the solvent.
|
|
A suspensions would be a heterogeneous mixture with different phases present, and there are solid particles that allow sedimentation or build-up to occur.
|
|
Suspensions will eventually allow the solid particles to settle, which can then be redistributed upon mechanical agitation.
|
|
A colloid can be either homogeneous or heterogeneous, but the size of the solid particles that are distributed through the other component will indicate its status as a colloid.
|
|
Unlike suspensions, the solid state particles in a colloid will not settle, but due to their microscopic size will remain distributed throughout the substance.
|
|
The Tyndall effect describes the reasoning behind some colloids appearing translucent, as light is scattered by the solid particles.
|
|
Colloids were studied extensively by Scottish scientist Thomas Graham, which led to the fields of study related to interface and colloid science.
|
|
Despite the fact that the constituent components are still able to retain their chemical and physical properties when they become a mixture, their properties might be slightly altered as a whole. This means the melting point of the mixture, for example, might be different than the melting points of each component alone.
|
|
Many times but not always, a mixture can be physically separated through a process in order to select out the constituent components.
|
|
Azeotropes are mixtures that cannot readily be separated after forming the mixture.
|
