Mixtures and Solutions

A mixture is two or more substances that are mixed together but not chemically combined. The substances in a mixture each keep their own properties, and they can be separated into their original form. A bag of snack mix can be separated into raisins, walnuts, peanuts, etc. Mixtures are absolutely everywhere you look. Most things in nature are mixtures. Look at rocks, the ocean, or even the atmosphere. They are all mixtures, and mixtures are about physical properties, not chemical ones. That statement means the individual molecules enjoy being near each other, but their fundamental chemical structure does not change when they enter the mixture.

Solutions are composed of substances that mix so completely that they cannot be distinguished as separate substances. In a solution, the substance that dissolves is called the solute. The solvent is the substance in which the solute is being dissolved. Sugar is the solute and water is the solvent. A solution is usually a mixture of a solid that dissolves completely in a liquid (ex. Sugar in water).
Solutions are groups of molecules that are mixed and evenly distributed in a system. Scientists say that solutions are homogenous systems. Everything in a solution is evenly spread out and thoroughly mixed. Heterogeneous mixtures have a little more of one thing (higher concentration) in one part of the system when compared to another.

    

Comparing Mixtures and Solutions:

Here are some games to solidify these concepts:

Mixtures and Solutions Games

Mixture and Solution Jeopardy

Pirate Mixtures

Mixtures StudyJams

Mixtures and Solutions are used all the time when cooking. Discuss with your kiddo what portion of their meal is a mixture and what is a solution.