Mixtures by state

The idea

Mixtures are classified by the physical states of their components: gas–gas, gas–liquid, solid–gas, liquid–liquid, solid–liquid and solid–solid.

Different states

Air is a mixture of gases. Seawater has solids in a liquid. Soda water has a gas in a liquid.

How can mixtures be grouped?

• By the physical states of their components
• By their colour
• By their weight

Sort by state

Tap the bin where each mixture belongs.

Six types

Mixtures are grouped by the physical states of their components.

Mixtures are grouped by the physical states of their components: gas–gas, gas–liquid, solid–gas, liquid–liquid, solid–liquid, solid–solid.

• Type | Example
• Gas and gas | Air
• Gas and liquid | Soda water
• Solid and gas | Carbon particles in air
• Liquid and liquid | Vinegar, oil and water
• Solid and liquid | Sand and water, seawater
• Solid and solid | Baking powder, alloys

Notes

Mixtures are grouped by the physical states of their components.

Check yourself

Vinegar (acetic acid in water) is a mixture of …

Carbon particles in air are a mixture of …

Baking powder and alloys are mixtures of …

Mixtures are grouped according to the …

• gas and gas. Both parts of vinegar are liquids.
• solid and solid. Both parts of vinegar are liquids.
• liquid and liquid — correct. Yes!
• solid and gas — correct. Yes!
• liquid and liquid. Carbon is a solid and air is a gas.
• solid and solid. Air is a gas, so it is solid and gas.
• gas and liquid. They are solids mixed with solids.
• solid and solid — correct. Yes!
• gas and gas. They are solids mixed with solids.
• colour of their components. They are grouped by physical state.
• age of the components. They are grouped by physical state.
• physical states of their components — correct. Yes!