Identify the following as homogeneous or heterogeneous matter

Identify the following as homogeneous or heterogeneous matter. a. Gasoline b. Din c. Smog d. Alcohol e. Iron nail f. Vinegar g. Aerosol spray hair h. Sea water i. Steel

The correct answer and explanation is:

Here are the classifications of the given substances:

1. Gasoline: Homogeneous
   Gasoline is a mixture of hydrocarbons that is uniform in composition throughout. It is a liquid, and when poured into a container, it has the same physical properties, such as color and density, throughout. It does not separate into different phases or components under normal conditions.
2. Din: Heterogeneous
   “Din” is not a typical term for a substance, but if it refers to a mixture or any uncharacterized substance, it would likely be considered heterogeneous. The term “heterogeneous” indicates a mixture where the components are not uniform and can be identified or separated easily.
3. Smog: Heterogeneous
   Smog is a mixture of pollutants, including smoke and fog, and can contain solid particles, liquid droplets, and gases. These components do not form a uniform structure and can be seen separately. The mixture exhibits varying properties in different locations, so smog is considered heterogeneous.
4. Alcohol: Homogeneous
   If referring to ethanol or rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol), these substances are homogeneous when mixed with water or other solvents, forming a single-phase mixture where the components are uniformly distributed.
5. Iron Nail: Homogeneous
   An iron nail is made entirely of iron, which is a pure substance. Since it has a consistent composition throughout, it is considered homogeneous.
6. Vinegar: Homogeneous
   Vinegar is a solution of acetic acid in water, and the acetic acid is uniformly mixed. It appears as a single-phase liquid without visible separation, making it homogeneous.
7. Aerosol Spray Hair: Heterogeneous
   Aerosol sprays contain various substances like liquids and gases. The particles or droplets are dispersed in a propellant, so the mixture is not uniform, making it heterogeneous.
8. Sea Water: Heterogeneous
   Sea water contains dissolved salts, organic materials, and other impurities. These components are not uniformly mixed and may form visible particles, particularly in coastal or polluted areas. Therefore, sea water is heterogeneous.
9. Steel: Homogeneous
   Steel is an alloy primarily composed of iron and carbon, and the carbon is uniformly distributed throughout the metal. Steel has a consistent composition and physical properties, making it homogeneous.

Explanation

The classification of matter as homogeneous or heterogeneous depends on whether the components are uniformly distributed. Homogeneous matter has a consistent composition and appearance throughout, and the components cannot be distinguished by the naked eye. Heterogeneous matter, on the other hand, has varying components that can often be seen or separated. For example, a pure substance like an iron nail is homogeneous, but a mixture like smog contains varying particles and gases, making it heterogeneous.