Question

Comment on whether each of the following is a homogeneous mixture or a heterogeneous mixture: (a) air in a closed bottle, (b) air over New York City.

Answer 1

Explanation:

A mixture in which there is uniform distribution of solute particles into the solvent is known as a homogeneous mixture.

For example, sugar dissolved in water is a homogeneous mixture.

On the other hand, a mixture in which there is uneven distribution of solute particles into the solvent is known as a heterogeneous mixture.

For example, sand present in water is a heterogeneous mixture.

Comment on given situations will be as follows.

(a)   Air in a closed bottle - It is a homogeneous mixture because there will be even distribution of other gases that are present in air.

(b)   Air over New York City - It is a heterogeneous mixture because there will be presence of some dust particles, fog or smoke into the air. Distribution of all these particles will be uneven. This will make air over New York City heterogeneous in nature.