Which type of mixture allows for components to be readily distinguished?

A heterogeneous mixture allows for components to be readily distinguished because it consists of different substances or phases that retain their own properties and can be observed separately. For example, in a salad, the different ingredients such as lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers can be seen as individual components, making it easy to identify each one.

In contrast, a homogeneous mixture has a uniform composition throughout, meaning that the individual substances are not easily distinguishable from one another. A solution, which is a type of homogeneous mixture, appears as a single phase, such as salt dissolved in water. A colloid, while it may seem to have distinct particles, is still considered a homogeneous mixture because the dispersed particles remain suspended and are not easily separated or identified visually. Thus, the hallmark of a heterogeneous mixture is that you can clearly see the different components, making option C the correct choice.