Question

Identify each described physical separation technique.

Answer 1

Answer:

A. A solid mixture is heated. One component transitions directly between solid and gas ---> Sublimation

B. A liquid is carefully poured out, leaving the solid behind in the container ----> Decantation

C. A solvent is added to dissolve only one mixture component and then the liquids are separated ----> solvent extraction

D. A solid is caught on paper or a membrane while the liquid passes through ---> Filtration using filter paper

Explanation:

A. Sublimation is a process of separating solids which sublimes (solids turning directly to gases) from a a mixture of other solids which do not sublime. When the mixture is heated, the solids which sublime are separated and those which do not are left behind. examples of solids which sublime are naphthalene, Iodine crystals, etc.

B. Decantation is the process of carefully pouring out a liquid from a mixture of it with a solid, leaving the solid behind. Example, a mixture of sand and water where water can be easily decanted, leaving the sand behind.

C. In the process of solvent extraction, a mixture of solids which are soluble in different solvent, one of the components is dissolved in a solvent in which it is soluble while the others are not. The solution is then filtered out and the solid is then separated from the solvent by evaporation.

D. In filtration using a filter paper, the solid-liquid mixture is passed through a filter paper which has pores the size through which liquids can pass through but the solid can not. therefore, the solid remains behind on the paper while the liquid passes through.