Friday, December 6, 2013

Homogeneous and Heterogeneous Mixtures in the Workplace

The term mixture connotes a physical combination of two or more substances in which each substance retains its identity (Stoker, 2007, p. 6). Mixtures can be classified as homogeneous and heterogeneous.  The former has uniform appearance and properties throughout whereas the latter consists of visibly different phases or parts, each having different properties (Stoker, 2007, p. 6). Every workplace abounds with examples of both types. Starting with concrete walls and cemented floors, both concrete and cement are heterogeneous mixtures (Welch, 2008).

Concrete is made up of cement, sand or gravel and water. Gravel in itself is a heterogeneous mixture. Next, wall paint consists of liquid solvent and solid pigments, making it another instance of heterogeneous mixtures (Welch, 2008). Wood used to make workplace furniture is also heterogeneous in nature (Stoker, 2007, p. 6). Steel, another constituent of several workplace items, is a homogeneous mixture.

Offices are incomplete without a stock of files and folders stuffed with printed and written papers. Paper and ink comprise another heterogeneous mixture in the workplace (Acro, 2002, p. 190). Black ink, however, in itself is an instance of homogeneous mixtures, as is the air employees breathe in the workplace (Acro, 2002, p. 190). Air is mainly made up of oxygen and nitrogen gases. Electrical brass wiring is used extensively in the workplace. Brass, an alloy of copper and zinc, is a homogeneous mixture.

Workplace refreshments like brewed coffee and unopened soft drinks are homogeneous mixtures, water with ice cubes and iced tea are heterogeneous mixtures (Shipman, Wilson,  Todd, 2007). Workplaces lined with indoor plants are furnished with another heterogeneous mixture in the form of soil. Carpets, curtains and cushions with multiple threads are also heterogeneous (Acro, 2002, p. 190). It would not be wrong to say that homogenous and heterogeneous mixtures together make a workplace. 

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