heterogénne

Heterogénne is a term used to describe a mixture or system composed of visibly different parts or substances. In essence, it refers to something that is not uniform throughout. The opposite of heterogénne is homogénne, which denotes a uniform composition.

In chemistry, a heterogénne mixture is one where the components are not evenly distributed. Examples include sand and water, oil and vinegar, or a salad. You can typically see the individual components in a heterogénne mixture. Separating these components is often achievable through physical means, such as filtration, decantation, or magnetism, because the different parts retain their distinct properties.

Beyond chemistry, the term can be applied more broadly. In biology, a heterogénne population might refer to a group of organisms with diverse genetic backgrounds or characteristics. In economics, heterogénne markets could involve products with significant variations in quality, features, or pricing. The core concept remains the presence of distinct, identifiable differences within the whole. Understanding whether something is heterogénne or homogénne is fundamental to analyzing its properties and behavior.