Ways to Separate Mixtures

Which Method There are several ways to separate mixtures. The physical properties of the mixture will determine which separation method is the best one to use.

Decantation Removes insoluble solids from a liquid Example: sand, rocks, soil and water Decantation is a process for the separation of mixtures. This is achieved by carefully pouring a solution from a container in order to leave the precipitate (sediments) in the bottom of the original container.

Sifting Uses sieves or sifters as a way to separate solids of varying sizes Example: sorting rocks, gravel and sand

Magnetic Attraction Separates magnetic materials such as iron, steel, nickel or cobalt, from non-magnetic materials in a mixture Example: separating iron filings from sand.

Filtration Removes solids from liquids by using a filter Example: drinking water

Evaporation Heat solution until liquids turn to gas and leave the solids behind Example: boiling water and lemon juice solution until all that is left is citric acid crystals

Chromatography Identify and separate substances in a colored solution Example: What colors are in food coloring or markers?

Centrifuging Separating by spinning solids to the sides and pouring liquids off Example: blood plasma from blood platelets

Which Method? You have been given a mixture of sand, salt and water. Which method or methods will you use to separate this mixture? Why? + +

Which Method? You have been given a mixture of lemon juice and water. Which method or methods will you use to separate this mixture? Why? +