Homogeneous: Definition and Examples

"Homogeneous" refers to a substance that is consistent or uniform throughout its volume. A sample taken from any part of a homogeneous substance will have the same characteristics as a sample taken from another area.

Homogeneous Examples

Air is considered a homogeneous mixture of gases. Pure salt has a homogeneous composition.

In a more general sense, a group of schoolchildren all dressed in the same uniform may be considered homogeneous.

Antonym

In contrast, the term "heterogeneous" refers to a substance that has an irregular composition.

A mixture of apples and oranges is heterogeneous. A bucket of rocks contains a heterogeneous mixture of shapes, sizes, and composition. A group of different barnyard animals is heterogeneous.

A mixture of oil and water is heterogeneous because the two liquids do not mix evenly. If a sample is taken from one part of the mixture, it may not contain equal amounts of oil and water.