Understanding Material Systems, Atmosphere, and Air Composition
Understanding Material Systems and the Atmosphere
Background: A material system is a set of interrelated elements considered as a unit for study.
Homogeneous and Heterogeneous Material Systems
Material systems can be homogeneous or heterogeneous.
In a homogeneous system, different substances are not readily apparent.
A mixture is a material system (either homogeneous or heterogeneous) from which different substances can be separated by physical processes.
Solutions and Their Components
A solution is a homogeneous mixture formed by two or more substances in variable amounts, which can be separated by physical means.
In a solution, the substance present in the greater proportion is called the solvent; the others are called solutes.