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What is the line between heterogeneous and homogeneous mixtures?
Question Date: 2004-03-01
Answer 1:

There are several lines, depending on the result you desire. For example, if the object is separation, then a mixture in which some components settle to the top or bottom of the container is clearly heterogeneous. Another interpretation is the examination scale. Concrete is clearly heterogeneous (rocks are quite distinguishable), yet in large quantities, the physical properties approach a homogeneous model -- ie. viscosity becomes uniform when averaged over large enough scale.


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