Mix

Mix is the act or result of combining two or more substances, ingredients, or elements to form a blended material or composition. In science, mixing is generally regarded as a physical process that does not necessarily create a new chemical substance; when no chemical reaction occurs, the components remain identifiable and can often be separated by physical means.

A mixture can be homogeneous, in which the components are distributed uniformly, such as salt dissolved in water or air. It can also be heterogeneous, in which different constituents remain distinct, such as a salad or sandy water. The proportions of components are described by mass or volume fractions.

Mixing can be achieved by stirring, shaking, blending, or agitating with equipment such as spoons, whisks, blenders, or mixers. In many contexts, mixing can produce emulsions, foams, gels, or suspensions, and the properties of the mixture depend on concentration, particle size, and the interactions between components. Separation by filtration, distillation, chromatography, or sedimentation can reverse or analyze mixtures.

In cooking and food preparation, mixing blends flavors, textures, and air; it is essential for batter, dough, sauces, and beverages. Tools and techniques influence creaminess, viscosity, and aeration; some mixtures require emulsification, such as mayonnaise or vinaigrette.

In music and audio production, a mix (or mixdown) is the combination of multiple recorded tracks into a single track, balancing levels, equalization, and effects. A DJ mix blends tracks live or in studio to create continuous playback or a curated set.

Other uses include paint and coating mixing, cosmetics, laboratory reagents, and environmental contexts where different substances are blended to achieve desired properties or to modify behavior.