How do you know if a sample of matter is a mixture?

Answer 1

A substance is scientifically defined as matter the has the same composition and properties throughout, so substances are elements and compounds. Mixtures are not considered substances. However, if we are taking the word substance to simply mean "something" as in everyday (and not purely science-based) use, then one could use the following criteria:

A compound is a substance whose smallest unit is made up of atoms of more than one element chemically bonded together, such as carbon dioxide (CO2), water (H2O), sugar (C6H12O6), and ammonia (NH3). A pure sample of a compound will appear the same throughout, and always occurs in specific proportions of its constituents. For example, pure sugar is always composed of molecules of C6H12O6 and always occurs in that proportion--6 atoms of Carbon, 12 atoms of Hydrogen, and 6 atoms of Oxygen. Compounds can only be formed or broken down through a chemical reaction.

A mixture is a combination of substances (elements or compounds) can either be homogeneous or heterogeneous. Heterogeneous mixtures do not look the same throughout, so they are easily distinguished from compounds. Homogeneous mixtures (or solutions), like tea, Kool-Aid, blood, brass, and sugar water, are only physically bonded together and can be separated through physical means.

Answer 2

by definition a mixture is the physical combination of two or more substances, which could be elements, elements and compounds, or compounds only. mixtures must have at least 2 substances to be a mixture, or else it's not a mixture. [[Thank you!]]

Answer 3

To be able to determine if a sample of matter is a mixture a series of physical and chemical tests can be done.The easiest way to know if a liquid is pure of impurities is to check its boiling point.Any substance that is impure will have a lower boiling point than the pure compound.Another helpful source would be to do a chromatography test. To purify any substance distillation is a very good and effective process.For solids, its important to check color, but most importantly its melting point.When the solid is impure its melting point will be lower than the pure compound.

Answer 4

One method, especially if the two substances are solid at room temperature, is perform a "melting point" test.

You heat up the substances and if it is mixture the melting point will be lower, and over a wider range of temperatures than the pure substance (which would melt very suddenly)

Answer 5

A heterogenerous mixture is a mixture that has one or more substances in it that are easily detected or you can tell apart. A homogenerous mixture is a mixture that has one or more substances, but it is not easy to tell the substances apart by looking at it. I only remember this from grade seven science, so correct me if I'm wrong.. happy to help if I did.

Answer 6

Place a sample of the liquid solution into a test tube and slowly heat it over a Bunsen burner. If the entire solution boils away at a constant point in temperature, the solution is likely a pure liquid. if the transition takes place over a range in temperatures, you are dealing with various liquids.

Answer 7

A substance is a mixture if it is not a pure substance (an element or a compound). An element is just itself. A compound is two or more elements chemically combined. A mixture is multiple substances that are physically combined.

Answer 8

A mixture contain two or more compounds without chemical bonding.