Difference Between Homogeneous & Heterogeneous Mixtures

Here to find the difference between homogeneous and heterogeneous mixtures. When two or more substances  (molecules or compounds) mix together without showing any chemical change, they are called mixtures. It generally has two major types based on the mixing of substances, such as homogeneous mixtures and heterogeneous mixtures.

You can say that in mixtures, there is a thorough mechanical blending without any interference with the composition of substances. The resulting component doesn’t lose its identity and continues to show its properties. Some common examples of mixtures are a mixture of salt and sugar, a mixture of water and lime juice, etc.

Before finding the difference between homogeneous and heterogeneous mixtures, we’ll quickly take a glance at their comparison chart. So, let’s begin!

Comparison Table

Basis of Comparison	Homogeneous Mixture	Heterogeneous Mixture
Phases	Exists in only one phase	Can have two or more two phases
Composition	Shows uniform composition	Doesn’t show the uniform composition
Physical Separation	Cannot be physically separated	Can be separated physically
Other Names	Also called “Solutions”	Also called “Colloids/Suspensions
Size of Particles	Usually, particles are smaller in size	Generally bigger particles than a homogeneous mixture
Examples	Natural gas, air, juices, etc.	Pizza, chocolate chip cookies, chicken soup, etc.

Explain Homogeneous Mixture

The type of mixture where substances are uniformly mixed and distributed everywhere is called a homogeneous mixture. The word homo means “same,” hence, these mixtures have a uniform consistency. There is a single phase of components inside a homogeneous mixture. Some key points relating to it are as follow:

• Such mixtures are also called solutions.
• They have a uniform composition.
• Nobody can examine a homogeneous mixture by just looking at it.
• For instance, vinegar, air, most alloys, etc.

Explain Heterogeneous Mixture

Another type of mixture where, after thoroughly mixing the substances, all particles are observed under a microscope is called a heterogeneous mixture. There is more than one phase in a heterogeneous mixture, so it’s easy to examine its substances through a microscope. A few key points relating to this mixture are as follow:

• Such mixtures are also called suspensions.
• They do not have a uniform composition.
• One can easily examine a heterogeneous mixture by just looking at it.
• For instance, chicken soup, sand, water, etc.

Discover the Differences Between Homogeneous & Heterogeneous Mixtures

We already have taken a general idea about both types of mixtures above. But to know more about them, we have listed some key differences:

Literal Meaning

Homogeneous Mixture

Homogeneous is a Greek word that is composed of two words. “Homos” means “same/similar” and “genos” means “kind.”

Heterogeneous Mixture

Heterogeneous is another Greek word, composed of two words. “Hetero” means “different” and “genos” means “kind.”

Definition

Homogeneous Mixture

The mixing of two or more substances that results in uniform properties is called a homogeneous mixture.

Heterogeneous Mixture

The mixing of two or more two substances that do not result in uniform properties is called a heterogeneous mixture. One can see the different particles added in a heterogeneous mixture.

Number of Phases

Homogeneous Mixture

This mixture shows only a single phase, which means the homogeneous mixture has a uniform composition.

Heterogeneous Mixture

Heterogeneous mixtures appear with two or more phases, meaning there is no consistency in their composition. It can be either in a combination of solids and liquids, solids and gases, liquids and gases, or maybe all three at a time.

Ability to Separate

Homogeneous Mixture

Because of its uniformity, this mixture can never be physically separated.

Heterogeneous Mixture

One can easily separate a heterogeneous mixture physically as the particles inside are all separated.

Solutions & Suspensions

Homogeneous Mixture

These mixtures are also called solutions; however, suspensions can sometimes be homogeneous too.

Heterogeneous Mixture

These mixtures are also known as suspensions or colloids, unlike solutions.

Utilization of Microscope

Homogeneous Mixture

The components of a homogeneous mixture are not seen with the naked eye, so using a compound or electron microscope is a must.

Heterogeneous Mixture

The components in a heterogeneous mixture can easily be seen with the naked eye, but for better results, you can utilize a student microscope. A compound microscope must be enough to observe colloidal particles.

Examples

Homogeneous Mixture

Some examples of homogeneous mixtures are alloys, seawater, brass, vinegar, air, blood, natural gas, etc.

Heterogeneous Mixture

Salt and pepper together make a heterogeneous mixture. Other examples include soda, concrete, sand and sugar, muddy water, chocolate chip cookies, all kinds of suspensions, etc.

Conclusion

We tried to cover all major points by presenting the differences between homogeneous and heterogeneous mixtures above. Both types, homogeneous and heterogeneous, are the essentials of an environment. You can simply analyze the nature of a mixture through its sample size. If the sample shows multiple phases, it is definitely a heterogeneous mixture. In an otherwise case, the mixture is entirely homogeneous.