Substanzgemische

Substanzgemische, often translated as substance mixtures, are physical combinations of two or more distinct chemical substances. Unlike a pure chemical compound, the individual components within a mixture retain their unique chemical identities and properties. These components are not chemically bonded together and can often be separated by physical means. Mixtures are broadly categorized into two main types: homogeneous and heterogeneous.

Homogeneous mixtures, also known as solutions, have a uniform composition throughout. The individual components are indistinguishable from one another, even under microscopic examination. Examples include saltwater, where salt is dissolved in water, or air, a mixture of gases. In contrast, heterogeneous mixtures have a non-uniform composition. The different components are visible and can be distinguished. Examples include sand and water, a salad, or granite rock.

The separation of components in a mixture relies on differences in their physical properties. Techniques such as filtration, evaporation, distillation, and chromatography are commonly employed. Filtration, for instance, separates insoluble solids from liquids. Evaporation can be used to separate a dissolved solid from a solvent. Distillation separates liquids with different boiling points. The study and understanding of substance mixtures are fundamental to chemistry and play a crucial role in many scientific and industrial processes.