Q13.1P - Chemistry: Molecular Nature Of Matter And Change

Question

Question: Describe how the properties of seawater illustrate the two characteristics that define mixtures.

 

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

Answer

 

Sea water is a complex mixture of dissolved ions and covalent substances including ${\mathbf{Na}}^{\mathbf{+}}\mathbf{,}{\mathbf{Mg}}^{\mathbf{+}\mathbf{2}}\mathbf{,}{\mathbf{Cl}}^{\mathbf{-}}\mathbf{,}{\mathbf{O}}_{\mathbf{2}}\mathbf{,}{\mathbf{CO}}_{\mathbf{2}}$ along with water. 

 

Step 1: Characteristics of mixtures

• Two or more substances physically mixed together but not chemically combined are called mixtures.
• Composition of the mixture is variable, and it retains some properties of the composition. Also, components can be separated by physical means.

 

Step 2: Properties of mixture explained by seawater.

Sea water consists of various ions, gases, and water that are not chemically bonded to each other, which defines the basic characteristic of a mixture. Also, seawater has dissolved sodium chloride in it which can be separated by physical means. Hence, seawater can explain the characteristics of the mixture very well.