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Multiple Choice
Which of the following statements describes a difference between a mixture and a pure substance?
A
A pure substance always contains more than one type of particle, while a mixture contains only one type.
B
Both mixtures and pure substances can be represented by chemical formulas.
C
Mixtures have fixed compositions, whereas pure substances have variable compositions.
D
A mixture can be separated into its components by physical means, while a pure substance cannot.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the definitions of pure substances and mixtures. A pure substance consists of only one type of particle (atoms or molecules) and has a fixed composition and distinct properties.
Step 2: Recognize that a mixture contains two or more different types of particles combined physically, and its composition can vary.
Step 3: Recall that pure substances cannot be separated into simpler substances by physical means, only by chemical means, because their components are chemically bonded.
Step 4: Note that mixtures can be separated into their individual components by physical methods such as filtration, distillation, or chromatography, since their components are not chemically bonded.
Step 5: Conclude that the key difference is that mixtures can be separated by physical means, while pure substances cannot, which matches the correct answer.