A mixture is a combination of two or more substances in which each substance retains its own chemical properties. Unlike a compound, where the substances are chemically combined and have new properties, the substances in a mixture are simply physically mixed together.
There are two main types of mixtures: homogeneous and heterogeneous. In a homogeneous mixture, the composition is uniform throughout, and the substances cannot be physically separated. Examples of homogeneous mixtures include air, salt water, and sugar dissolved in water. In a heterogeneous mixture, the composition is not uniform and the substances can be separated physically. Examples of heterogeneous mixtures include salad, fruit punch, and a mixture of sand and water.
Mixtures play an important role in many aspects of our daily lives, including the food we eat and the products we use. They are also used in a variety of industrial processes, such as refining and manufacturing. The separation of mixtures is an important part of many scientific and industrial processes, and can be accomplished through techniques such as filtration, distillation, and chromatography.