Question

Sketch a magnified view (showing atoms/molecules) of each of the following and explain: a. a heterogeneous mixture of two different compounds b. a homogeneous mixture of an element and a compound

Short answer

a. In a magnified view of a heterogeneous mixture of two different compounds, such as a mixture of sand and small pieces of plastic, we would see an irregular distribution of particles with distinct phases or regions. Sand particles could be represented by small circles, and plastic pieces by small squares. The composition is not uniform, and the different compounds can be easily distinguished. b. In a magnified view of a homogeneous mixture of an element and a compound, such as a mixture of water and dissolved table salt, we would see a uniform composition with evenly distributed components. Water molecules could be represented by small circles, and salt ions (Na+ and Cl-) by connected smaller circles within a larger circle. The components are not distinguishable from one another in this uniform mixture.

Step-by-step solution

a. Heterogeneous Mixture of Two Different Compounds

In a heterogeneous mixture, the components have distinct phases or regions, and when we zoom into the magnified view, we should see two or more visibly different components. For this example, imagine a mixture of sand and small pieces of plastic. 1. Draw a large rectangular frame to represent the magnified view. 2. Inside the frame, draw small circles to represent the sand particles. 3. Also inside the frame, draw small squares to represent the pieces of plastic. 4. Mix the circles and squares irregularly within the frame to show that they are not evenly dispersed. The above sketch represents a heterogeneous mixture. The composition is not uniform throughout the mixture, and the different compounds (sand and plastic) can be easily distinguished.

b. Homogeneous Mixture of an Element and a Compound

A homogeneous mixture has a uniform composition throughout, and its components are not distinguishable from one another. For this example, imagine a mixture of water (compound) and dissolved table salt (element). 1. Draw a large rectangular frame to represent the magnified view. 2. Inside the frame, draw small circles to represent the water molecules (H2O). 3. Inside a larger circle, draw two connected smaller circles to represent the salt ions (Na+ and Cl-). 4. Distribute the salt ions evenly amongst the water molecules. The above sketch represents a homogeneous mixture. The composition is uniform throughout the mixture, and the components (water and salt ions) are evenly distributed and not distinguishable from one another.