Identifying Heterogeneous Mixtures

A heterogeneous mixture is a mixture where the components are not uniformly distributed throughout the substance. You can often distinguish the different parts by sight.

A homogeneous mixture, also known as a solution, has components that are uniformly distributed. The composition is the same throughout.

Analyzing Mixture Options

Let's examine each option:

• Sugar solution: Sugar dissolves completely in water, making the mixture uniform. This is a homogeneous mixture.
• Air: Air is a mix of gases (like Nitrogen, Oxygen, etc.) that are uniformly spread out. This is a homogeneous mixture.
• Sand and water: Sand particles do not dissolve in water. They remain separate and can be seen distinctly, or they settle at the bottom. This mixture is not uniform throughout. Therefore, it is a heterogeneous mixture.
• Salt solution: Salt dissolves completely in water, forming a uniform mixture. This is a homogeneous mixture.

Based on the definitions, sand and water is the only option that represents a non-uniform, heterogeneous mixture.