Is rubbing alcohol a pure substance or a mixture?

Would you be able to separate the ingredients of rubbing alcohol easily? If not, then it is a pure substance.

Rubbing alcohol, also known as isopropyl alcohol, is considered a mixture rather than a pure substance. It is composed of isopropyl alcohol, water, and sometimes other additives, such as colorants or fragrance. The specific composition may vary depending on the brand and intended use.

To determine whether rubbing alcohol is a pure substance or a mixture, you can follow these steps:

1. Read the label: Look at the packaging or label of the rubbing alcohol. It often states the ingredients, which can give you an idea of its composition and determine if it is a mixture.

2. Understand the components: Rubbing alcohol typically contains a certain percentage of isopropyl alcohol (usually 70% or 91%). Pure substances have a consistent chemical composition throughout, whereas mixtures have multiple components mixed together.

3. Consider its properties: If rubbing alcohol were a pure substance, all samples of it would have the same composition and properties. However, rubbing alcohol can have varying alcohol concentrations, indicating the presence of a mixture.

In conclusion, based on the above information, rubbing alcohol is considered a mixture rather than a pure substance.