Which of the following best describes a heterogeneous mixture?

Question

Question

This question was previously asked in

RRB JE CBT 2 (Mechanical Engineering) ReExam Official Paper (Held On: 04 Jun, 2025)

Answer 1

The Correct answer is The composition varies throughout the mixture.

Key Points

A heterogeneous mixture is one where the components are not evenly distributed, and the composition varies throughout the mixture.
It often consists of physically distinct parts, each with different properties.
Examples of heterogeneous mixtures include salad, sand and water, or oil and water.
In such mixtures, the individual components can typically be separated using physical methods, such as filtration or sorting.
The heterogeneous nature of the mixture means that its appearance is often non-uniform, and you can see the different substances visually.
This type of mixture contrasts with a homogeneous mixture, which has a uniform composition throughout.
Heterogeneous mixtures play a significant role in various fields, such as geology, chemistry, and material science, for studying and separating substances.

Additional Information

Option 1: It has a uniform composition
- This describes a homogeneous mixture, not a heterogeneous mixture. Homogeneous mixtures have the same composition throughout, such as salt dissolved in water.
- These mixtures appear visually uniform and are often referred to as solutions.
Option 2: The components cannot be separated
- This is incorrect for heterogeneous mixtures because their components can often be physically separated. For example, sand and water can be separated through filtration.
- This description is more suitable for compounds, where components are chemically bonded and cannot be separated by physical means.
Option 4: It contains only one phase
- This characteristic applies to homogeneous mixtures, where only one phase (solid, liquid, or gas) is present.
- Heterogeneous mixtures often consist of multiple phases, such as oil and water, which exist as separate liquid phases.