How does a heterogeneous mixture differ from a homogeneous mixture?

A heterogeneous mixture is characterized by having distinguishable components. This means that the different substances within the mixture remain separate and can often be identified visually, as they do not blend uniformly. For example, a salad or a mixture of sand and iron filings contains distinct parts that can be seen and separated, which exemplifies the defining feature of a heterogeneous mixture.

In contrast, homogeneous mixtures, such as saltwater or air, have a uniform composition throughout, meaning the individual components are not easily distinguishable and the mixture appears the same throughout. This lack of visible separation is what sets homogeneous mixtures apart from their heterogeneous counterparts.

While some might think that a heterogeneous mixture might contain only solids, that is not a defining characteristic of such mixtures; they can consist of liquids, gases, or a combination of different states of matter. Similarly, the presence of only one phase is indicative of a homogeneous mixture, where the composition and properties are consistent throughout.