Answer The Question As Indicated To Earn All Points
Answer The Question As Indicated To Earn All Available Pointsa Chemis
A chemistry student is presented with a mixture containing small Styrofoam pellets, sand, salt, 1 cm diameter copper BBS, and iron filings. To effectively separate each component, a systematic step-by-step approach is essential, utilizing specific equipment and the physical properties of each substance. The process involves multiple separation techniques based on differences in physical properties such as size, magnetic susceptibility, solubility, and density.
Step 1: Separation of Iron Filings
How to Separate:
The first step involves removing the iron filings from the mixture because they are magnetic. Using a strong magnet, gently move it near the mixture contained in a beaker. The iron filings will adhere to the magnet due to their magnetic property, allowing for their easy removal from the mixture.
Materials Used:
- Magnet
- Beaker (to contain the mixture)
Physical Property Used:
Magnetism (magnetic susceptibility) is the property exploited here to separate the iron filings from the non-magnetic components.
Step 2: Separation of Copper BBS
How to Separate:
After removing the iron filings, the copper BBS, which are metallic and of a particular size, remain in the mixture. To separate the copper BBS from residual small particles, a sieve with 5-mm holes is used. Gently pour the mixture onto the sieve and shake or tap it to allow smaller particles and residues to pass through, leaving behind the larger copper BBS.
Materials Used:
- Sieve with 5-mm holes
- Small fish net (optional for handling)
Physical Property Used:
Size (particle size) is used here, with the sieve filtering based on the size difference.
Step 3: Separation of Styrofoam Pellets
How to Separate:
The Styrofoam pellets are lightweight and insoluble in water, so they can be separated by hand or with tweezers. Gently pick out the Styrofoam pellets from the mixture and transfer them onto a watch glass or container.
Materials Used:
- Tweezers
- Watch glass
Physical Property Used:
Density and buoyant property are exploited; since Styrofoam is much less dense than water, it can be distinguished visually and handled manually.
Step 4: Separation of Salt from Sand
How to Separate:
The remaining mixture of sand and salt can be separated using dissolving and filtration. First, add water to the mixture in a beaker and stir to dissolve the salt. The sand will not dissolve. Next, filter the mixture through the coffee filter or sieve to catch the sand while the salt solution passes through.
Materials Used:
- Beaker
- Stirring rod
- Coffee filter or sieve
- Hot plate (to evaporate water later if necessary)
Physical Property Used:
Solubility of salt in water, and particle size of sand for filtration.
Step 5: Recovery of Salt
How to Separate:
To obtain the salt, evaporate the water from the filtered salt solution. Place the salt solution in a container or watch glass and gently heat it on a hot plate until all water evaporates, leaving dry salt crystals.
Materials Used:
- Hot plate
- Watch glass
Physical Property Used:
Volatility (evaporation properties of water) and solubility (salt’s solubility in water).
Summary and Conclusion
This systematic separation leverages physical properties such as magnetism, particle size, buoyancy, and solubility. Iron filings are separated by magnetism due to their magnetic susceptibility. Copper BBS are sorted by size with a sieve. Styrofoam pellets are distinguished by their low density and light weight, allowing manual extraction. Salt is separated from sand via dissolving and filtration, then recovered through evaporation exploiting its solubility and water’s volatility. This sequential process ensures the complete separation of all components in the mixture, illustrating key concepts in matter and separation techniques used in chemistry laboratories.
References
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