Chemistry Regents Practice Test 2025 – The All-in-One Guide to Exam Success!

A characteristic of a heterogeneous mixture is that it contains visibly different substances or phases present. This means that when you look at a heterogeneous mixture, you can see distinct layers, particles, or components that do not blend into an even or uniform composition. For example, a salad contains various ingredients, such as lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers, which can be easily identified and separated.

While the ability to be separated by physical means is also true for heterogeneous mixtures, it does not define them as distinctly as the presence of visibly different components. This separation can occur through methods such as filtration or sorting, but it’s worth noting that homogeneous mixtures can also be separated this way, albeit through different techniques.

On the other hand, a uniform composition throughout is a characteristic of homogeneous mixtures, where the individual components are not distinguishable. Lastly, containing particles that are completely dissolved pertains to homogeneous mixtures as well, where the solute is not visible and blends seamlessly with the solvent. Therefore, the most defining feature of a heterogeneous mixture is the visible differences in its components.