Humber Admissions Practice Test

Which statement about mixtures is true?

1. They are chemically bonded substances

2. They can always be separated by chemical means

3. They can be physically separated

4. They contain only elements

The correct answer is: They can be physically separated

Mixtures are defined as combinations of two or more substances that are not chemically bonded to each other. This means that the individual components retain their own properties and can be separated from one another without the need for chemical reactions. Physical separation methods can include filtration, distillation, or centrifugation, which allow for the components of the mixture to be isolated while preserving their original characteristics. The other statements do not accurately represent the characteristics of mixtures. For instance, mixtures are not chemically bonded, which directly contradicts the first statement about them being chemically bonded substances. The second statement suggests that mixtures can only be separated through chemical means, which is incorrect because they can be separated physically. Lastly, the claim that mixtures contain only elements is also false. Mixtures can contain compounds as well and are not limited to elemental substances. Thus, the statement regarding their physical separability is the most accurate representation of the nature of mixtures.