Question

A mixture of crystals of salt and sugar is added to water and stirred until all solids have dissolved. Which statement best describes the resulting

mixture?
(1) The mixture is homogeneous and can be separated by filtration.
(2) The mixture is homogeneous and cannot be separated by filtration.
(3) The mixture is heterogeneous and can be separated by filtration.
(4) The mixture is heterogeneous and cannot be separated by filtration.

Answer 1

The mixture is homogenous and cannot be separated by filtration, because the salt and sugar may be filtered out of the water but the two cannot be separated by filtration alone, unless you have some really accurate filters.

Answer 2

Correct Answer: (2) The mixture is homogeneous and cannot be separated by filtration.

Reason: Solution is said to be homogenous, if it contains single phase. In present case, salt and water, when dissolved in water forms a single phase. Hence, it is referred as homogenous solution. Also, individual components of homogenous system cannot be separated by the process of filtration.