Is Air a Heterogeneous Mixture or a Solution?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the classification of air, specifically whether it is a heterogeneous mixture or a solution. Participants explore the definitions and characteristics of air in relation to these classifications, considering its composition and physical properties.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that air is a solution, with nitrogen as the solvent due to its predominant presence in the mixture.
  • Others argue that air is a heterogeneous mixture, noting that it does not contain multiple phases, although real air may have solid particulates.
  • A participant mentions that air can be separated into its constituent gases by physical means, suggesting it is not a pure substance.
  • There is a challenge regarding the reasoning behind classifying air as a solution, with a request for clarification on the definitions involved.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on whether air should be classified as a heterogeneous mixture or a solution, indicating that the discussion remains unresolved.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference the definitions of heterogeneous mixtures and solutions, but there are unresolved aspects regarding the implications of air's physical properties and composition.

temaire
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Homework Statement


Air is a mixture of 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen, 0.09% of argon, and 0.03% of carbon dioxide. What can be said about air?

a) Air is a heterogenous mixture
b) Air is a pure substance, and is made up of N, O, Ar, and C
c) Air is a solution, in which nitrogen is the solvent
d) Air is a solution, in which nitrogen is the solute

Homework Equations


None


The Attempt at a Solution


I put c). Am I right?
 
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Yes. Do you understand why this is correct?
 
I got the answer mostly because I thought that the other choices were not correct answers. Also, since nitrogen makes up most of our air, I thought that it would be the solvent. If my reasoning is not going in the right direction, could you help me please?
 
That's essentially correct.

A heterogeneous mixture must have more than one phase - not the case with air as described in the question (though real air is filled with all manner of solid particulates). Air is not a compound - it can be separated into its constituent gases by "physical" means, and its composition is definitely not fixed.
 

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