In a heterogeneous mixture, how are the components characterized?

In a heterogeneous mixture, the components are characterized by their distinct and noticeable differences from one another. This means that you can typically see and identify the separate parts within the mixture. For example, in a salad, you can easily distinguish between the lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers. This visual and physical discernibility highlights the varied composition of a heterogeneous mixture, as opposed to a homogeneous mixture where the components are uniformly distributed and not easily separable.

The other characteristics mentioned do not apply to heterogeneous mixtures. They are not entirely uniform, as this would refer to homogeneous mixtures. While some components in a heterogeneous mixture may be more abundant than others, they are not necessarily present in equal amounts. Furthermore, the components of a heterogeneous mixture can often be separated by physical means, which differs from mixtures that are classified as homogeneous or solution-like.