Mixtures are classified into two types: homogeneous mixtures (solutions), and heterogeneous mixtures.

Homogeneous Mixture (Solution)

A homogeneous mixture (also known as solution) is a mixture in which the components cannot be seen by our naked eyes or using a microscope or a magnifying glass. A phase is a region with a uniform set of properties. A solution is a homogeneous mixture. For example, a mixture of sugar and water (sugar solution) is a homogeneous mixture because all the parts of the solution have the same sugar water composition.

Heterogeneous Mixtures

A mixture that does not have a uniform composition throughout is known as a heterogeneous mixture. The components of a heterogeneous mixture can be identified by our naked eyes or with the help of a microscope or a magnifying glass. They contain more than one phase.

For example, a mixture of sand and iron filings is a heterogeneous mixture. This is because the sand particles remain visible and physically separated. Blood is also a heterogeneous mixture of plasma, red blood cells, white blood cells, etc. that can be seen using a microscope.