What is an example of a common mixture?

A common example of a mixture is air, which is a combination of several gases.

Air is a mixture that we interact with every day. It is composed of several gases, the most abundant of which are nitrogen and oxygen, making up approximately 78% and 21% of the mixture respectively. The remaining 1% is a combination of other gases such as argon, carbon dioxide, neon, helium, and trace amounts of other gases.

The composition of air can vary slightly depending on the location and the time of year, but the proportions of nitrogen and oxygen remain fairly constant. This is an example of a homogeneous mixture, where the different components are evenly distributed and cannot be easily separated by physical means.

In addition to gases, air also contains varying amounts of water vapour, and particulate matter such as dust, pollen, and other pollutants. These components can be more easily separated from the rest of the mixture, for example by using a filter to remove the particulate matter.

The fact that air is a mixture, rather than a compound, is crucial for life on Earth. If air were a compound, with its components chemically bonded together, it would have different properties and would not support life as we know it. The individual gases in air retain their own properties, which allows for processes such as respiration and photosynthesis to occur.

In summary, air is a common example of a mixture, composed primarily of nitrogen and oxygen, with smaller amounts of other gases and particulate matter. It is a homogeneous mixture, with its components evenly distributed and retaining their individual properties.