Which statement best describes a mixture of sand and water at room temperature?

• A. It is a heterogeneous mixture in which sand does not dissolve in water.
• B. It is a homogeneous mixture with sand evenly dissolved in water.
• C. It forms a chemical compound with new properties.
• D. It is a pure substance with a fixed composition.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the definitions of key terms: A homogeneous mixture has a uniform composition throughout, while a heterogeneous mixture has visibly different components or phases.
2. Consider the physical properties of sand and water: Sand is a solid particulate that does not dissolve in water, meaning it remains as separate particles.
3. Analyze the mixture visually and physically: Since sand particles remain distinct and do not dissolve, the mixture will have visibly separate phases (solid sand and liquid water).
4. Evaluate the options based on these observations: The mixture is not homogeneous because sand does not dissolve; it is not a chemical compound because no new substance forms; and it is not a pure substance because it contains more than one component.
5. Conclude that the mixture of sand and water at room temperature is best described as a heterogeneous mixture in which sand does not dissolve in water.