Separation Methods

Mixtures can be separated by physical means. Many different methods can be used to separate the components. The nature of the components is what determines what method you would use. A mixture may need more than one method to fully separate it. I. II. III. If a mixture is heterogenous and at least one of the components is large, they can be physically separated by hand or forceps. (Example A mixture of rocks and sand) If a mixture contains one component that responds to magnetism, you can use a magnet to pull that component out. If a mixture is a liquid and a solid insoluble in that liquid, try decanting. Place a glass stirring rod across the beaker top (one end fitting inside the pour groove). Slowly tilt the beaker so that the liquid flows into another beaker. The glass stirring rod will help prevent solid from flowing out. This will only work if the solid is not in suspension within the liquid. If a mixture is a solid in suspension (or just not settled) in a liquid that it is not soluble in, try filtration. Mrs. Sheppard will demonstrate this at your lab table. If a mixture is a solid in a liquid that it is soluble in, the best technique is to use boiling or evaporation. (Of course, this does not allow you to retain the liquid). Boiling is faster but will not produce a crystalline solid like evaporation will. If you have two liquids, use distillation. The liquid mixture is heated to a temperature that is higher than the boiling point of one liquid but lower than the boiling point of the second liquid. The first liquid boils, and rises as a gas up into the distillation tube. The tube is surrounded by cold water, which causes the gas to condense back again into the liquid form. The second liquid stays behind because the temperature is not high enough to cause it to boil. A distillation apparatus can also be used to separate a soluble solid from its liquid when you want to retain the liquid. For two colored liquids or two colored soluble solids dissolved in the same liquid, use chromatography. To demonstrate this, stick a pencil through a strip of paper so that you can use the pencil to hang the paper into the beaker. Make a mark with your marker across the strip about 2 inches up. Add water to the beaker so that it covers the bottom of your paper but does not touch your mark. Wait.

IV. V.

VI.

VII.

Multiple methods may be used when you have more than two components or in certain other situations. For example, if a mixture contains two solids and one solid is water soluble while the other is not, you can add water to the mixture. Use filtration to pull out the insoluble solid, and then boiling or evaporation to separate the water from the soluble solid.

Separation Scenarios

Name: ___________________________

For each mixture, choose which method or methods you would use to separate it into its components. Be sure to explain why you have chosen your method or you will not be given credit. 1. Dirt and Water (water not kept)

2. Dirt and Water (retaining water for drinking purposes)

3. Sulfur and Sand

4. Challenge Ethyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol), sand, salt, and iron filings