Classification of Matter
At the macroscopic level, matter can be classified into two main categories: mixtures and pure substances. A pure substance consists of particles that are chemically identical, meaning the composition is uniform throughout. On the other hand, a mixture is made up of two or more pure substances, and its composition can vary, depending on the ratio of its components.
Mixtures can further be categorized as either homogeneous or heterogeneous. In a homogeneous mixture, the components are evenly mixed, and their distribution is uniform throughout. Common examples include air and sugar solution. In contrast, a heterogeneous mixture has a non-uniform composition, and sometimes different components are visibly distinguishable. Examples include mixtures of salt and sugar, or grains and pulses.
The components of a mixture can be separated using physical methods such as filtration, crystallization, distillation, or hand-picking, depending on the nature of the mixture. Mixtures are common in daily life, and understanding their properties helps in distinguishing between different substances and their behaviours.