Mixtures, Solutions and Suspensions
Mixtures vs. solutions vs. suspensions.
Mixtures
A mixture is a combination of substances which are not chemically joined together.
- Mixtures have the same properties as their components
- There is no fixed proportion between the components
- The components can be separated from the mixture
Examples
- sugar and salt
- air with nitrogen and oxygen
Solutions
A solution is a homogeneous mixture in which one substance (solute) is dissolved in another substance (solvent).
- The components in a solution may not be separated from the solution by leaving it to stand, or by filtration
If a material dissolves in a liquid the material is said to be soluble. A solution is saturated if no more solute can be dissolved with temperature remaining constant.
Examples
- salt in sea water
Suspensions
A suspension is a mixture of liquids with particles of a solid which may not dissolve in the liquid.
- The solid may be separated from the liquid by leaving it to stand, or by filtration
Examples
- sand in water