 A mixture is just what it sounds like ... two or more substances mixed together mechanically. They can be separated, although this may not be easy. Some things are obviously mixtures because you can actually see the component parts. For example, a chocolate chip cookie or a bowl of vegetable soup are both mixtures. But even if you can't see the different parts with your eyes, it could still be a mixture. Sand, for example, is actually a mixture of many types of (very tiny) bits of rock. Paint is a mixture of pigments, oils, and solvents. A milkshake is made by mechanically mixing together ice cream and milk. Ketchup is a mixture of tiny bits of tomato, seasonings, and vinegar. In each of these examples you could see the different tiny pieces under a microscope.  |