Explain what a mixture is using an example
A mixture is a combination of two or more substances that are physically combined, but not chemically bonded. It means that the substances in a mixture can be easily separated from each other through various means.
For example, consider a bowl of mixed nuts. In this case, the bowl contains a combination of different types of nuts like almonds, cashews, and peanuts. Each nut retains its individual properties and can be easily picked out or separated from the rest of the mixture by hand. This is because the nuts are physically combined, but not chemically bonded, allowing them to retain their own characteristics.
Another example of a mixture is saltwater. When we dissolve salt in water, it forms a mixture. Although the salt molecules disperse evenly throughout the water, they do not chemically react with it. Thus, the salt and water can be separated by a physical process called evaporation. When the water is heated and converted into vapor, the salt is left behind, showing that it was a separate component in the mixture.
In both examples, the substances maintain their own properties and identities within the mixture. They can be easily separated as they do not form new substances through chemical reactions when combined.