Properties of Mixtures vs. Solutions: Mix It Up!
Students are introduced to the distinctive properties of mixtures and solutions. A class demonstration led by the teachers gives students the opportunity to compare and contrast the physical characteristics of a few simple mixtures and solutions. They discuss the separation of mixtures and solutions back into their original components as well as different engineering applications of mixtures and solutions.
Students explore the differences between mixtures and solutions.Copyright 2004 Christ 73, Wikimedia Commons CC BY-SA 3.0 https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:SaltInWaterSolutionLiquid.jpg
Engineers use their knowledge of mixtures and solutions when designing new synthetic materials. This is especially the case in the biomedical field, where engineers have to deal with compatibility issues when placing materials made outside the human body into the body. Engineers also design ways to help separate mixtures and solutions in industrial, commercial and environmental processes.
After this lesson, the students should be able to:
- Compare and contrast mixtures and solutions.
- Discuss methods for separating mixtures and solutions into their original components.
- Describe several engineering applications for mixtures and solutions.