Which of the following best describes beach sand in terms of the classification of matter?

• A. Beach sand is an element.
• B. Beach sand is a pure substance.
• C. Beach sand is a homogeneous mixture.
• D. Beach sand is a heterogeneous mixture.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall the classification of matter: matter can be classified as pure substances (elements and compounds) or mixtures (homogeneous and heterogeneous).
2. Understand that an element consists of only one type of atom, and a pure substance has a uniform and definite composition throughout.
3. Recognize that a homogeneous mixture has a uniform composition and appearance throughout, while a heterogeneous mixture has visibly different components or phases.
4. Consider the nature of beach sand: it contains different types of particles such as small rocks, minerals, and organic material, which are not uniformly distributed.
5. Conclude that because beach sand contains visibly different components mixed together without uniform composition, it is best described as a heterogeneous mixture.