Separating Mixtures

Separating Mixtures

There are a number of different ways of separating mixtures of substances. The decision of which to choose depends on what the mixture is comprised of. 


Sorting

This mixture can easily be separated into the different components by sorting them according to type and colour.

Decanting

In this mixture the solid can be left to settle to the bottom of the container. The liquid can then be poured off.

Filtration

There are many different materials that can be used to filter out fine particles from a liquid. In this image, filter paper is being used to keep the coffee grounds separate form the hot water to make coffee.

The residue is the solid left in the filter while the filtrate is the liquid that passes through the filter.

Distillation

Distillation is used to separate out two liquids which have different boiling points. Heating the solution to the lowest boiling point will cause the first liquid to turn into a gas which will travel out of the heating chamber and down the liebig condensor where it cools and returns to its liquid state again.

This is a process carried out on an industrial scale to produce petrol, diesel and kerosene from Crude Oil

Magnetism

Using magnetism we can separate out solids that have magnetic qualities.

Chromatography

Chromatography uses the difference in solubility of the components within a mixture. The more soluble components will travel further as they will move together with the solvent as it flows through the paper.

Separating Mixtures - Revise and then try the quizz or complete the activity below.

Try this interactive game for Sorting Mixtures - https://my.hrw.com/sh2/sh07_10/student/flash/virtual_investigations/hst/mix/hst_mix_vi.html 

Separation  Techniques

Make a copy of the worksheet and match correctly the separation technique and equipment that would best suit each scenario