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A homogenous, physically distinct portion of a heterogeneous system

User Timedt
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Final answer:

A 'homogeneous mixture' has a uniform composition and properties throughout, like salt dissolved in water or air, and forms a single phase. A 'heterogeneous system' may have multiple phases, each with distinct properties, like oil and water.

Step-by-step explanation:

The term 'homogeneous mixture,' refers to a mixture that acts as a single substance with a uniform composition and properties throughout. In such mixtures, like salt water or coffee without milk, the different components are distributed evenly and no visible boundaries exist between them. By contrast, a heterogeneous system may consist of multiple phases, which are physically distinct portions with their own composition and properties.

For instance, when oil and water are combined, they form two separate layers, each of which represents a different phase. A homogeneous mixture is also known as a solution and is characterized by having a definite composition, with parts that cannot be seen separately.

An example of a homogeneous mixture is the air we breathe. It is made up of different gases that are mixed in constant ratios, making it impossible to visually distinguish between components.

User Greg Merritt
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