How to perform simple experiments with heterogeneous mixtures

A mixture is the combination of two pure substances or more than two substances, with the absence of any chemical reaction. Therefore, each one retains its chemical equivalence. The result can result in a uniform (homogeneous) or multiple (heterogeneous) product.

Homogeneous and Heterogeneous Mixtures

If you decide to make a homogeneous mixture, you can not distinguish its components with the naked eye, this is due to its uniform composition. Therefore, you will need the help of a microscope to differentiate the mixed substances. However, a heterogeneous mixture, you will be able to observe it at first glance by the properties of its components which are not kept together, although you can also use several methods to separate these components from a heterogeneous mixture; such as filtration, dissolution and decantation. But here, I will show you the most common and simplest homogenous and heterogeneous mixtures.

Common homogeneous mixtures:

-- Water and sugar.

-- Water and salt.

-- Chlorine and water.

-- Vinegar and water.

-- The dough to bake a cake.

-- Cement, water and sand.

-- Soft drinks (water, sugar, artificial flavor and carbon dioxide).

-- Common heterogeneous mixtures:

-- Oil and water.

-- Oil and vinegar.

-- Noodle Soup.

-- Fruits in syrup.

-- Peanuts with raisins.

-- Olive oil and vinegar.

-- Magnesium hydroxide with aluminum hydroxide as suspension.

-- Amoxicillin as a suspension: mix an antibiotic powder with a liquid excipient.

Experiment with heterogeneous mixtures:

We are going to perform one of the easy experiments on heterogeneous mixtures that we have already seen what they are.

Required materials:

-- 1 glass bottle.

-- Oil.

-- Water.

-- 1 small lid.

Preparation of the experiment with heterogeneous mixtures:

Add water to the middle of the bottle and then add a little oil. Finally cover the bottle and shake the mixture. Observe how the oil rises to the top of the bottle, while the water stays at the bottom. It has achieved a heterogeneous mixture where its ingredients are observed with the naked eye and the densest product (oil) will always remain above the least dense (water).