Which of the following is the best example of a heterogeneous mixture?

The correct answer is Mixture of iron chloride and iron fillings.

Key Points

• A heterogeneous mixture is one in which the components can be visibly distinguished and are not uniformly distributed.
• The mixture of iron chloride and iron fillings is an example of a heterogeneous mixture because the two substances remain distinct and separate.
• In this mixture, iron fillings can be seen as solid particles distinct from the iron chloride.
• Such mixtures do not have a uniform composition throughout and the different components can be easily separated by physical methods like filtration or magnetic separation.

Additional Information

• Homogeneous Mixture:
  • It is a mixture in which the composition is uniform throughout.
  • Examples include solutions like salt in water or sugar in water where the solute is completely dissolved.
  • Homogeneous mixtures cannot be separated by simple physical methods.
• Methods of Separation:
  • Filtration: Used to separate an insoluble solid from a liquid.
  • Magnetic Separation: Useful for separating magnetic materials from non-magnetic ones.
  • Evaporation: Used to separate a dissolved solid from a liquid by evaporating the liquid.
• Colloids:
  • A type of homogeneous mixture where the particle size is intermediate between a true solution and a suspension.
  • Examples include milk, fog, and jelly.
• Suspensions:
  • A type of heterogeneous mixture where the particles are large enough to settle out over time.
  • Examples include sand in water or dust in air.