60 Examples of Homogeneous and Heterogeneous Mixtures


In chemistry, a mixture It is the combination of two or more pure substances that come together without changing chemically. For this reason, it is possible to separate the components of the mixtures by certain physical procedures, such as filtration or distillation. For instance: water and sand, coffee with sugar, oil in water.

Mix types

In general, mixtures are classified into homogeneous and heterogeneous. Sometimes a third category is distinguished with intermediate characteristics: that of colloids. Mixes are found practically everywhere; many of the objects around us include mixtures, both homogeneous and heterogeneous:

  • Homogeneous mixtures. They are mixtures that appear completely uniform, without discontinuities, which is why they are said to have a single phase. The substances that make up a homogeneous mixture are uniformly distributed. Solutions are typically homogeneous mixtures, and there are liquid, solid and gaseous solutions.
  • Heterogeneous mixtures. They are mixtures in which it is possible to observe the discontinuity of their phases (every heterogeneous mixture has at least two phases) with the naked eye, although sometimes a device or equipment with a higher resolution than the human eye is necessary to appreciate and distinguish them. They are not uniform. Heterogeneous mixtures are often obtained when trying to bring together substances that are insoluble or immiscible. This causes the components to be separated and form different phases. By virtue of this non-uniform distribution, samples from different parts of a heterogeneous mixture can have different compositions.
Homogeneous - heterogeneous mixtures
Salt dissolved in water is an example of a homogeneous mixture.

The solutions are homogeneous mixtures, while the suspensions they are heterogeneous mixtures. But there is also a type of mixture that has intermediate properties between solutions and suspensions, and they are called colloids or colloidal systems. Examples of colloids are milk, gels, and emulsions.

Examples of mixtures

Sugar in waterHydrogen on Platinum18 karat gold
Salt water (brine)Mercury in silverGround
AirSilver in GoldOxygen in water
CameKerosene in waterAlcohol in water
TeaWax and waterSalt and pepper
BronzeVinegar and oilGranite
Detergent in waterOil in water

Examples of heterogeneous mixtures

Lettuce and tomato saladWater and sandStones and wood
Water and oilMeat and potatoesPapers and tapes
Air and landSoup with noodlesWater and paraffin
Rice and beansWood and stonesFrench fries and peanuts
Vinegar and oilSausages with mayonnaiseWater and stones
Water and gasolinePotatoes and eggMilk with marshmallows
Cookies with sweet and butter

Examples of homogeneous mixtures

Baking soda in waterDiluted bleachCough syrup
SeawaterMedicinal alcoholMilk
Cooking oil mixTincture of iodineCoffee with sugar
BloodBronzeDetergent with water
Toilet soapMayonnaiseHair dye
GroundCementShoe ointment
Beer