Summary of Mixtures vs Solutions | Know the Difference

Main Ideas and Concepts

Definition of Mixtures
- A mixture is a combination of two or more substances that do not chemically combine.
- Each substance in a mixture retains its individual properties.
- Examples include:
  - Bowl of cereal
  - Trail mix
  - Salt mixed in water
  - Soda (e.g., Coke)
Definition of Solutions
- Solutions are a specific type of mixture known as homogeneous mixtures.
- In a solution, there is an even distribution of all substances, meaning any sample taken will have the same ratio of components.
- Examples of solutions include:
  - Saltwater (salt is the solute, water is the solvent)
  - Soda (carbon dioxide gas mixed with the liquid)
Key Distinction
- All solutions are mixtures, but not all mixtures are solutions.
- Mixtures like cereal and Trail mix are not solutions because they are not homogeneous (the ratios of components can vary from one sample to another).
Components of Solutions
- Solute: The substance that is dissolved (e.g., salt in Saltwater).
- Solvent: The substance that does the dissolving (e.g., water in Saltwater).

To differentiate between mixtures and solutions:
- Identify if the substances are chemically combined (if not, it's a mixture).
- Check for homogeneity (if the mixture has a uniform composition throughout, it's a solution).
- Recognize the roles of solute and solvent in a solution.