Mixture vs. Solution — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on October 30, 2023
Mixture is a combination of different substances where each retains its own properties. Solution is a homogeneous mixture where one substance dissolves in another.
Difference Between Mixture and Solution
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Mixture refers to a combination of two or more substances, where each substance retains its individual properties. They are not chemically combined. Solution, on the other hand, is a type of mixture where one substance (the solute) is dissolved in another (the solvent), resulting in a homogeneous composition.
In a mixture, the components can usually be separated by mechanical means such as filtration, sedimentation, or decantation. With a solution, separating the solute from the solvent requires methods like evaporation or distillation due to their homogeneity.
While mixtures can be either homogeneous (uniform composition) or heterogeneous (distinct, separate components), solutions are always homogeneous. This means that in a solution, the composition is uniform throughout, unlike in some mixtures where components can be visually distinguished.
Particle size plays a role in differentiating between a mixture and a solution. In mixtures, especially heterogeneous ones, particles can often be seen with the naked eye or under a microscope. In a solution, the dissolved particles are typically so small that they cannot be seen, even under a microscope.
Mixtures do not have a fixed composition; the proportion of substances can vary. For instance, a mixture of sand and salt can have varying amounts of each. However, a solution can have a specific concentration, indicating the amount of solute dissolved in a given amount of solvent.
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Comparison Chart
Composition
Can be varied.
Specific concentration possible.
Homogeneity
Can be either homogeneous or heterogeneous.
Always homogeneous.
Separation
Components can often be separated mechanically.
Requires methods like evaporation or distillation.
Particle Visibility
Particles may be visible to the naked eye or microscope.
Dissolved particles are typically not visible.
Retention of Properties
Components retain individual properties.
Solute loses its properties, becoming part of solvent.
Compare with Definitions
Mixture
A combination of two or more substances.
She made a mixture of nuts and dried fruits.
Solution
Where one substance dissolves in another.
She prepared a sugar solution by mixing sugar and water.
Mixture
Substances combined without a chemical bond.
He added pebbles to the sand, creating a mixture.
Solution
Always has a uniform composition.
The solution was consistent throughout the beaker.
Mixture
In chemistry, a mixture is a material made up of two or more different substances which are not chemically combined. A mixture is the physical combination of two or more substances in which the identities are retained and are mixed in the form of solutions, suspensions and colloids.Mixtures are one product of mechanically blending or mixing chemical substances such as elements and compounds, without chemical bonding or other chemical change, so that each ingredient substance retains its own chemical properties and makeup.
Solution
A homogeneous mixture of two substances.
Salt dissolved in water forms a solution.
Mixture
The act or process of mixing
An alloy made from the mixture of two metals.
Solution
Has a solute and solvent component.
In a saline solution, salt is the solute, and water is the solvent.
Mixture
The condition of being mixed
The inevitable mixture of different cultures in big cities.
Solution
A method or process of dealing with a problem
Sought a solution to falling enrollments.
Mixture
A combination of ingredients used in cooking or baking.
Solution
The answer to a problem or the explanation for something
The solution to the mystery.
Mixture
One that consists of diverse elements
The day was a mixture of sun and clouds.
Solution
A homogeneous mixture of two or more substances, which may be solids, liquids, gases, or a combination of these.
Mixture
A fabric made of different kinds of thread or yarn.
Solution
The process of forming such a mixture.
Mixture
(Chemistry) A composition of two or more substances that are not chemically combined with each other and are capable of being separated.
Solution
The state of being dissolved
Nitrogen that is in solution in the ocean.
Mixture
The act of mixing.
The mixture of sulphuric acid and water produces heat.
Solution
(Archaic) The act of separating or breaking up; dissolution.
Mixture
Something produced by mixing.
An alloy is a mixture of two metals.
Solution
A homogeneous mixture, which may be liquid, gas or solid, formed by dissolving one or more substances.
Mixture
Something that consists of diverse elements.
The day was a mixture of sunshine and showers.
Solution
An act, plan or other means, used or proposed, to solve a problem.
Mixture
A medicinal compound, typically a suspension of a solid in a solution
A teaspoonful of the mixture to be taken three times daily after meals
Solution
An answer to a problem.
Mixture
(music) A compound organ stop.
Solution
(marketing) A product, service or suite thereof, especially software.
Mixture
A cloth of variegated colouring.
Solution
Satisfaction of a claim or debt.
Mixture
(India) A mix of different dry foods as a snack, especially chevda or Bombay mix.
Solution
The act of dissolving, especially of a solid by a fluid; dissolution.
Mixture
The act of mixing, or the state of being mixed; as, made by a mixture of ingredients.
Solution
The crisis of a disease.
Mixture
That which results from mixing different ingredients together; a compound; as, to drink a mixture of molasses and water; - also, a medley.
There is also a mixture of good and evil wisely distributed by God, to serve the ends of his providence.
Solution
To treat with a solution.
Mixture
An ingredient entering into a mixed mass; an additional ingredient.
Cicero doubts whether it were possible for a community to exist that had not a prevailing mixture of piety in its constitution.
Solution
The act of separating the parts of any body, or the condition of undergoing a separation of parts; disruption; breach.
In all bodies there is an appetite of union and evitation of solution of continuity.
Mixture
A kind of liquid medicine made up of many ingredients; esp., as opposed to solution, a liquid preparation in which the solid ingredients are not completely dissolved.
Solution
The act of solving, or the state of being solved; the disentanglement of any intricate problem or difficult question; explanation; clearing up; - used especially in mathematics, either of the process of solving an equation or problem, or the result of the process.
Mixture
A mass of two or more ingredients, the particles of which are separable, independent, and uncompounded with each other, no matter how thoroughly and finely commingled; - contrasted with a compound and solution; thus, gunpowder is a mechanical mixture of carbon, sulphur, and niter.
Solution
The state of being dissolved or disintegrated; resolution; disintegration.
It is unquestionably an enterprise of more promise to assail the nations in their hour of faintness and solution, than at a time when magnificent and seductive systems of worship were at their height of energy and splendor.
Mixture
An organ stop, comprising from two to five ranges of pipes, used only in combination with the foundation and compound stops; - called also furniture stop. It consists of high harmonics, or overtones, of the ground tone.
Solution
The act or process by which a body (whether solid, liquid, or gaseous) is absorbed into a liquid, and, remaining or becoming fluid, is diffused throughout the solvent; also, the product resulting from such absorption.
Mixture
(chemistry) a substance consisting of two or more substances mixed together (not in fixed proportions and not with chemical bonding)
Solution
Release; deliverance; discharge.
Mixture
Any foodstuff made by combining different ingredients;
He volunteered to taste her latest concoction
He drank a mixture of beer and lemonade
Solution
The termination of a disease; resolution.
Mixture
A collection containing a variety of sorts of things;
A great assortment of cars was on display
He had a variety of disorders
A veritable smorgasbord of religions
Solution
A homogeneous mixture of two or more substances; frequently (but not necessarily) a liquid solution;
He used a solution of peroxide and water
Mixture
An event that combines things in a mixture;
A gradual mixture of cultures
Solution
A statement that solves a problem or explains how to solve the problem;
They were trying to find a peaceful solution
The answers were in the back of the book
He computed the result to four decimal places
Mixture
The act of mixing together;
Paste made by a mix of flour and water
The mixing of sound channels in the recording studio
Solution
A method for solving a problem;
The easy solution is to look it up in the handbook
Mixture
Components can often be separated mechanically.
The mixture of oil and water separated over time.
Solution
The set of values that give a true statement when substituted into an equation
Mixture
Can have a varied composition.
The mixture contained more sugar than last time.
Solution
The successful action of solving a problem;
The solution took three hours
Mixture
Can be either uniform or non-uniform in composition.
His trail mix was a mixture of various ingredients.
Solution
Can have a specific concentration.
He prepared a 10% glucose solution for the experiment.
Common Curiosities
Is the composition of a Solution always uniform?
Yes, solutions always have a uniform composition throughout.
How can you separate the solute from a Solution?
Methods like evaporation or distillation are used to separate the solute from a solution.
What's the basic difference between a Mixture and a Solution?
A mixture is a combination of substances, while a solution is a homogeneous mixture with a dissolved solute.
Are the components of a Mixture chemically combined?
No, the components in a mixture retain their individual properties and aren't chemically combined.
Can the components of a Mixture be separated?
Yes, the components of a mixture can often be separated mechanically.
Can you see the particles in a Solution?
Typically, the dissolved particles in a solution are so small they can't be seen.
Is air considered a Mixture or Solution?
Air is considered a mixture because it's a combination of various gases without any dissolving.
Can oil and water form a Solution?
No, oil and water don't mix uniformly; they form a heterogeneous mixture.
Does a Mixture always have the same composition?
No, mixtures do not have a fixed composition and can vary.
Can a Mixture be homogeneous?
Yes, mixtures can be either homogeneous or heterogeneous.
What are the main components of a Solution?
A solution consists of a solute (substance being dissolved) and a solvent (substance doing the dissolving).
Can a Solution change concentration?
Yes, the concentration of a solution indicates the amount of solute in a given amount of solvent and can vary.
What determines the concentration of a Solution?
The concentration is determined by the amount of solute dissolved in a given amount of solvent.
Is seawater a Mixture or Solution?
Seawater is a solution where various salts are dissolved in water, but due to its varied components, it can also be viewed as a complex mixture.
Can solid-solid combinations be called a Mixture?
Yes, mixtures can be in any phase - solid, liquid, or gas. A solid-solid combination, like sand and salt, is a mixture.
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Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
