Which statement best describes the separation of components in a homogeneous mixture (solution)?

• A. Homogeneous mixtures are pure substances and cannot be separated.
• B. Homogeneous mixtures can only be separated by chemical reactions.
• C. Homogeneous mixtures can be separated into their components by physical methods such as distillation or evaporation.
• D. Homogeneous mixtures cannot be separated into their components by physical means.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that a homogeneous mixture, also called a solution, is a uniform mixture where the components are evenly distributed at the molecular level.
2. Recall that homogeneous mixtures are not pure substances; they consist of two or more substances physically combined.
3. Recognize that because the components are physically combined, they can be separated by physical methods without changing their chemical identities.
4. Identify common physical separation techniques such as distillation, which separates components based on differences in boiling points, and evaporation, which removes a solvent leaving solutes behind.
5. Conclude that the correct description is that homogeneous mixtures can be separated into their components by physical methods such as distillation or evaporation.