Question

A mixture consists of saw dust, salt, and pebbles. Which of the following instruments or materials would not be useful in separating this mixture?
A.magnet
B.filter paper
C.screen
D.water

Answer 1

The screen will not be useful in separating the mixture of saw dust, salt and pebbles.

Answer: Option C

Explanation:

The separation of individual elements from the mixture can be done easily if the size of the elements in the mixture is varying significantly. Just like in the present case, the size of sawdust and salt is very small compared to that of pebbles.

So by using sieves having pores of smaller sizes, pebbles can be separated from the mixture as pebbles will not pass through the minute pores. Even depending upon the size of pores, the saw dust can also be separated using it.

Similarly, we can use water also to separate this mixture as sawdust have least density it will float in water surface and pebbles being the highest density will sink and settle in the bottom of the container.

Remaining salt will get dissolved in water which can be obtained by heating the water in order to precipitate the salt. Even filter paper with different mess size will also help in separating this mixture. But as this mixture is not permeable through screen, the screen cannot be used to separate this mixture.