How does a homogeneous mixture differ from a heterogeneous mixture?

A homogeneous mixture is characterized by having a uniform composition throughout the mixture. This means that the different components are evenly distributed at the molecular level, making it difficult, if not impossible, to distinguish one part of the mixture from another. For example, when salt is dissolved in water, the resulting solution has the same composition throughout, regardless of where you sample it.

In contrast, a heterogeneous mixture contains visibly different substances or phases. The components are not evenly distributed, and you can typically see the distinct parts, such as in a salad or a mixture of oil and water. This lack of uniformity is a defining feature of heterogeneous mixtures.

Understanding this distinction is essential when studying mixtures in chemistry, as it highlights how the properties of a combination of substances can vary significantly based on their arrangement and interaction at the microscopic level.