* Pure Substance: A pure substance is made up of only one type of molecule or atom. It has a fixed composition and uniform properties throughout. Examples include water (H₂O), gold (Au), and table salt (NaCl).
* Homogeneous Mixture: A homogeneous mixture is a mixture where the components are evenly distributed throughout. It appears uniform, but it's actually composed of two or more substances.
Examples of Homogeneous Mixtures:
* Saltwater: Salt (NaCl) is dissolved evenly in water (H₂O).
* Air: A mixture of gases like nitrogen, oxygen, and carbon dioxide.
* Brass: An alloy of copper and zinc.
Key Difference: While a homogeneous mixture appears uniform, it can be separated into its individual components by physical means (like evaporation, filtration, or distillation). A pure substance cannot be separated into simpler components by physical means.