Confused about Mixtures and Substances? Get Help Now!

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the classification of mixtures and substances, focusing on specific examples such as wood and sodium chloride. Participants explore definitions and characteristics of these categories, addressing confusion stemming from classwork classifications.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant defines a mixture as two substances that are arbitrarily combined, which can be either homogeneous or heterogeneous.
  • Another participant asserts that a substance is homogeneous with a definite, fixed composition that is not arbitrary.
  • A participant claims that wood should be classified as a substance due to its fixed composition, while also arguing that sodium chloride, being a compound, is not a mixture but a substance.
  • In contrast, another participant argues that wood is not a substance, stating it is a mixture of various chemicals and compounds.
  • A later reply confirms that sodium chloride is indeed ordinary table salt, implying it is a substance.
  • One participant suggests that a substance cannot be physically broken down into something else, while a mixture can be physically separated.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express disagreement regarding the classification of wood and sodium chloride, with multiple competing views on whether they should be considered mixtures or substances. The discussion remains unresolved.

Contextual Notes

Participants rely on varying definitions and interpretations of "mixture" and "substance," leading to confusion and differing conclusions based on the examples provided.

Imparcticle
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A mixture is defined as 2 substances that are arbitirarily combined. They are either homogenous or heterogenous.

A substance is defined as being homogenous and has definite, fixed composition that is NOT arbitrary.

On some classwork we did, this following was stated as being true:

wood is a...answer: mixture

sodium chloride is a... answer: mixture

I disagree; wood is a substance because it has a fixed composition by definition. And since sodium chloride is a compound, it is not a mixture either; it is a substance.
the choices for classification on the worksheet was "mixture" or "substance".
I am confused...please help.

thanx
 
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Wood is not a substance. There is no chemical compound that can be called "wood". A wood is a large mixture of various chemicals and compounds.
 
thank you!

How about sodium chloride then? it is a substance?
 
Yes.. its ordinary table salt.
 
Think of it this way, a substance can not be physicly broken down into somthing else.

A mixture can be physicly separated (Like filtering a mixture)
 

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