All matter falls under two categories: pure substances or mixtures. Mixtures are formed when pure elements and compounds are mixed together. For example, a smoothie is a great example of a mixture. You take various fruits and blend them together to form a yummy, nutritious drink.

Mixtures can exist in two forms. A homogeneous mixture occurs when pure substances mix and form a uniform (same) composition throughout its solution. Kool-Aid is the perfect example of this. When water (the solvent) is mixed with the Kool-Aid sugar (the solute) it forms a single-colored sweet drink (the solution).

On the other hand, a heterogeneous mixture occurs when pure substances that are mixed DO NOT form a uniform composition. A pizza is the perfect example of this. When ingredients of a pizza are mixed, they do not blend together perfectly. Instead, you can easily see and separate each ingredient.