What is a mixture?

A mixture is defined as two or more substances that are combined together but not chemically bonded. This means that the individual components retain their own properties and can often be separated by physical means, such as filtration or distillation. In a mixture, the substances are simply mixed together in varying proportions, which allows for a diverse range of combinations.

For example, a salad contains various vegetables that are mixed together but retain their individual textures and flavors; they are not chemically altered or bonded together in a way that would create a new substance. The absence of chemical bonding is a key characteristic of mixtures, distinguishing them from compounds where the components are chemically combined and lose their individual properties.

Additionally, a pure substance with a uniform composition refers specifically to elements or compounds, not mixtures, while two or more substances that are chemically bonded describe compounds, not mixtures. A single substance made of molecules does not pertain to mixtures either, as it refers to pure substances, where the composition is consistent throughout.