Uniform or not

The idea

In a non-uniform mixture the components are generally visible with the naked eye or a magnifying device; in a uniform mixture they are evenly distributed and cannot be distinguished even with a microscope.

Salad and sugar water

In a sprout salad you can see each ingredient. In sugar dissolved in water you cannot see the sugar.

What is the difference between the two mixtures?

• In one the parts can be seen, in the other they cannot
• There is no difference
• One is a mixture and the other is not

Sort the mixtures

Tap the bin where each mixture belongs.

Two kinds of mixtures

In a non-uniform mixture the components are generally visible with the naked eye or a magnifying device. In a uniform mixture the components are evenly distributed and cannot be told apart, even with a microscope.

Non-uniform mixture: components generally visible. Uniform mixture: components evenly distributed, not distinguishable even with a microscope.

• Mixture | Type
• Sprout salad | Non-uniform
• Sugar in water | Uniform
• Air | Uniform

Notes

Non-uniform: parts can be seen. Uniform: parts are evenly spread and cannot be told apart.

Check yourself

In a uniform mixture the components are …

A sprout salad is …

Sugar and water in a mixture cannot be seen separately even with a …

Components that can be seen with the naked eye or a magnifying device mean the mixture is …

• easy to see with the naked eye. That describes a non-uniform mixture.
• separated in layers. In a uniform mixture they are evenly distributed.
• evenly distributed and cannot be told apart — correct. Yes!
• a non-uniform mixture — correct. Yes!
• a uniform mixture. You can see the components, so it is non-uniform.
• not a mixture. Several substances are mixed, so it is a mixture.
• hand. Not even with a microscope.
• microscope — correct. Yes!
• pencil. Not even with a microscope.
• uniform. A uniform mixture has components that cannot be told apart.
• a compound. A visible-component mixture is non-uniform.
• non-uniform — correct. Yes!