Lesson 2: Mixing Different Phases

Solvents dissolve solutes. If a solid solute dissolves in a liquid solvent, the solid looks like it "disappears" into the liquid. However, the liquid merely breaks up the solid into pieces too small to be seen to form a solution. If the solid remains undissolved, the system is a heterogeneous mixture.

Doing the science

1. Start the Solution Simulation by clicking on the "Sim" tab.
2. Click on the bottle containing H₂O to add the liquid to the beaker.
3. Note that all of the solids are in white containers on the top shelf.
4. Click on the bottle containing I₂ to add the solid to the water in the beaker. Click the "Stir" button.
5. A solution has a uniform composition with no solid remaining, while in a heterogeneous mixture the solid remains undissolved on the bottom of the beaker. Record in Table 1 whether the system in the beaker is a solution or heterogeneous mixture.
6. Click the "Reset" button to begin your next mixing.
7. Repeat the process and mix H₂O with each of the solids, one at a time. Make sure to record your results in Table 1.
8. Repeat the process again, this time mixing CCl₄ with each of the solids, one at a time. Make sure to record your results in Table 1.