Pure substances have a fixed, uniform structure and composition throughout. They cannot be separated into other components and have definite physical properties like melting and boiling points. Mixtures contain two or more substances mixed together without a fixed structure or composition. Homogeneous mixtures like salt water are uniform throughout, while heterogeneous mixtures like sand and water are non-uniform with different components settling in separate layers. Aqueous solutions use water as the solvent, while non-aqueous solutions use solvents other than water. The solubility of solids in liquids generally increases with temperature as higher temperatures provide more energy to overcome intermolecular forces.