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AAT Bioquest

What are the differences between mixture and solution?

Posted March 28, 2023


Answer

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)  

Additional resources

Non-stochastic behavior in sodium chlorate crystallization

Chemical Reagents