1. Dissolution of Sugar: Sugar is highly soluble in water. When water is added, the sugar particles start to dissolve and disperse throughout the water. Sugar molecules interact with water molecules, forming hydrogen bonds, which break down the sugar crystals into individual molecules.
2. Separation of Sand: White sand is composed of tiny rock particles. Unlike sugar, sand is insoluble in water. When water is added, the sand particles remain intact and settle at the bottom of the container. The sand becomes visually separated from the sugar-water solution.
3. Formation of a Heterogeneous Mixture: Initially, the mixture of sugar and sand is heterogeneous as the sand particles are solids dispersed within a solid matrix of sugar. After adding water, the mixture becomes a heterogeneous mixture consisting of a liquid phase (sugar dissolved in water) and a solid phase (sand particles).
4. Suspension and Sedimentation: The sand particles suspended in the water form a temporary suspension. However, due to the difference in density between sand and water, the sand particles eventually settle down under the influence of gravity. This process is known as sedimentation.
5. Layers in the Container: As the sand settles, it forms a distinct layer at the bottom of the container. Above the sand layer, there's a layer of sugar-water solution, which appears clear or translucent due to the dissolved sugar.
In summary, when water is poured into a mixture of sugar and white sand, the sugar dissolves in the water, forming a sugar-water solution. The sand particles, being insoluble, settle at the bottom, resulting in a heterogeneous mixture with distinct layers of sand and sugar-water.