What are the differences between mixture and solution?
Posted March 28, 2023
Mixture and solution are both made up of a combination of two or more substances. There are several differences between the two.
Basis of differentiation |
Mixture |
Solution |
Definition |
A mixture is made up of two or more components that are generally mixed but are not completely dissolved |
A solution is made up of two or more components that are completely dissolved |
Ratio of individual components |
There is no fixed ratio –individual components can be present in varying amounts |
Individual components are present in a fixed ratio |
Separation of individual components |
Individual components can be easily separated using physical methods |
Individual components cannot be easily separated using physical methods |
Particle Size |
Particle size ranges from 0.01nm to 1000 nm |
Particle size ranges from 0.01nm to 1nm |
Chemical bonding between reacting components |
There’s no chemical bonding between the reacting components |
Chemical bonding occurs between the reacting components resulting in the formation of a new compound |
Chemical properties of individual components |
Individual components retain their original chemical properties |
Individual components lose their original chemical properties – the properties of the solution are different from its individual components |
Nature |
A mixture can either be heterogeneous or homogeneous |
A solution is always homogeneous |
Classification |
A mixture may be classified as homogeneous and heterogeneous |
A solution is a type of homogeneous mixture |
Examples |
- Salt & Pepper - Smog (smoke & fog) - Sand and water - Cement (sand, gravel, & water) - Soil (minerals, organic matter, water, & air) |
- Saline solution (salt and water) - Vinegar (acetic acid and water) - Tincture of iodine (iodine crystals in alcohol) - Mouthwash (several chemicals dissolved in water) |