Question

Classify each of the following as a compound, a homogeneous mixture, or a heterogeneous mixture: (a) orange juice; (b) vegetable soup; (c) cement; (d) calcium sulfate; (e) tea.

Short answer

Orange juice: heterogeneous/homogeneous; Vegetable soup: heterogeneous; Cement: heterogeneous; Calcium sulfate: compound; Tea: homogeneous/heterogeneous.

Step-by-step solution

- Understanding Definitions

First, understand the definitions of compound, homogeneous mixture, and heterogeneous mixture.- A compound is a substance made of two or more elements chemically combined in fixed proportions.- A homogeneous mixture is a mixture that is uniform throughout; its composition is consistent.- A heterogeneous mixture is a mixture where the different components can be visually distinguished; its composition is not consistent.

- Classify Orange Juice

Orange juice is typically a heterogeneous mixture if it contains pulp, as the pulp can be visually distinguished. If it is completely filtered to be clear, then it is a homogeneous mixture.

- Classify Vegetable Soup

Vegetable soup is a heterogeneous mixture because the different components (vegetables, broth, etc.) can be visually identified and separated.

- Classify Cement

Cement is a heterogeneous mixture because it contains distinct particles of different substances (sand, gravel, etc.) that can be seen with the naked eye.

- Classify Calcium Sulfate

Calcium sulfate is a compound because it is a chemical compound composed of calcium, sulfur, and oxygen in a fixed ratio.

- Classify Tea

Tea is generally a homogeneous mixture if no tea leaves are present, as the composition is uniform throughout the liquid. However, if tea leaves are present, it can be considered a heterogeneous mixture.

Key concepts

compound

A compound is a substance formed when two or more chemical elements are combined in a fixed ratio.

These elements are bonded together through chemical reactions.
The properties of a compound are different from the properties of the individual elements that make it up.
Calcium sulfate is an example of a compound.
It consists of calcium, sulfur, and oxygen in a specific proportion.

Compounds have unique properties:

• They have a definite composition.
• Their components are chemically bound, so they cannot be separated by physical means.
• They have unique physical and chemical properties.

Understanding compounds can be key in chemistry and other sciences.

homogeneous mixture

A homogeneous mixture is one where the composition is uniform throughout.

This means any sample taken from the mixture will have the same proportion of components.
An example of this is tea without leaves.
The liquid is consistently mixed, so the flavor and concentration remain the same in every sip.

Characteristics of homogeneous mixtures include:

• Uniform composition.
• Components are evenly distributed.
• Cannot see individual components with the naked eye.
• Examples include air, vinegar, and clear saltwater.

These mixtures are also called solutions.
Their consistent nature makes them easier to study and work with in various scientific applications.

heterogeneous mixture

A heterogeneous mixture is one where the different components can be visually distinguished.

The composition is not consistent.
Think of a vegetable soup or cement; you can see and separate the different parts.

Key characteristics of heterogeneous mixtures are:

• Non-uniform composition.
• Components are not evenly distributed.
• Different samples may have different compositions.
• Easy to separate components by physical means.
• Examples include salad, trail mix, and orange juice with pulp.

These mixtures often need further processing to be used in scientific applications.
Their variability can lead to unique uses but can also present challenges in ensuring consistency.