A mixture describes two or more different pure substances which are mixed together but not chemically combined. In a mixture, each substance retains its own chemical properties and identity. Mixtures can be separated into their individual components through physical means, such as filtration, distillation, or evaporation.
There are two main types of mixtures: homogeneous and heterogeneous. A homogeneous mixture has a uniform composition throughout, like salt dissolved in water. A heterogeneous mixture, on the other hand, has a non-uniform composition, like a salad or a mixture of sand and iron filings.
Mixtures are important in everyday life and in various scientific fields. They allow us to combine different substances to create new materials with desired properties, without altering the chemical nature of the individual components.