Humber Admissions Practice Test

What characterizes a heterogeneous mixture?

1. Components that are finely mixed

2. Components that cannot be distinguished easily

3. Components that can be distinguished easily

4. Components that form a single phase

The correct answer is: Components that can be distinguished easily

A heterogeneous mixture is characterized by components that can be distinguished easily. This means that in a heterogeneous mixture, the different substances retain their individual properties and are not uniformly distributed throughout the mixture. As a result, you can often see the distinct phases or components within the mixture, such as oil and water, sand and gravel, or a salad containing various ingredients. In contrast, a homogeneous mixture would have components that are evenly mixed at a microscopic level, making them indistinguishable to the naked eye. Thus, the option pointing out the ease with which components can be identified aligns perfectly with the definition of a heterogeneous mixture.