Question

Which one of the following is a homogeneous mixture: milk shake, 14 -karat gold (made by melting gold and other metals together), fog, blood?

Short answer

The homogeneous mixture among the given options is 14-karat gold.

Step-by-step solution

A milk shake is made by blending milk, ice cream, and flavorings together. Although the blending process may give the appearance of a homogeneous mixture, it may still have tiny particles of ice cream and other ingredients that are not entirely uniform. This makes the milk shake a heterogeneous mixture. #Step 2: Analyzing 14-karat Gold#

14-karat gold is made by melting gold and other metals together in a specific proportion (58.3% gold and 41.7% other metals, usually copper and silver). The melting process ensures that the gold and other metals are completely mixed together and distributed evenly throughout the material. This means that 14-karat gold is a homogeneous mixture. #Step 3: Analyzing Fog#

Fog is a mixture of tiny water droplets suspended in the air. The distribution of water droplets in fog is not uniform; they are dispersed unevenly and can vary greatly from one location to another. Therefore, fog is a heterogeneous mixture. #Step 4: Analyzing Blood#

Blood is a complex liquid that contains various types of cells (red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets) suspended in a liquid plasma. Although blood may appear uniform, the composition of blood cells and plasma can vary within the blood sample. Thus, blood is a heterogeneous mixture. #Step 5: Identifying the Homogeneous Mixture#

Conclusion

Based on our analysis of the given options, we can conclude that 14-karat gold is the only homogeneous mixture among milk shake, 14-karat gold, fog, and blood.

Key concepts

Heterogeneous Mixture

Understanding heterogeneous mixtures is crucial in chemistry. These mixtures have components that are not uniformly distributed. Imagine a fruit salad where you can see the different fruits. Similarly, in a heterogeneous mixture, the different parts are easily distinguishable. Milkshake, despite appearing smooth, is not fully uniform. Tiny ice cream or flavor bits can make it uneven in composition. Other examples include salad dressing and granite. Recognizing these characteristics helps in identifying and separating mixture components.

14-Karat Gold

14-karat gold is a fascinating example of a homogeneous mixture. It is created by combining gold with other metals such as copper and silver. Specifically, it consists of 58.3% gold and 41.7% of these other metals. This even distribution is achieved by melting the metals together. Unlike a heterogeneous mixture, you can't see the individual metals. This uniformity gives 14-karat gold its strength and color. Jewelers and chemists love this material for its adaptable properties.

Mixture Analysis

Mixture analysis involves examining various substances to determine their uniformity. Knowing whether a mixture is homogeneous or heterogeneous can guide its use in applications. Methods such as physical examination and microscopic analysis help in this process. For example, the analyses of milkshake and blood reveal variations due to their complex structures. By understanding these details, chemists can decide how best to work with or separate components in mixtures.

Chemistry Education

Chemistry education helps students in understanding how different materials interact. Learning about mixtures is foundational in chemistry. Educators often use everyday examples to illustrate concepts like homogeneity. Students begin by identifying mixtures in their environment, like milkshakes or 14-karat gold. This hands-on learning fosters a deeper grasp of how mixtures behave and why it matters. Through these lessons, students can apply their knowledge in science or culinary arts, making chemistry practical and exciting.