- Sodium chloride from its solution in water
- Ammonium chloride from a mixture containing sodium chloride and ammonium chloride
- Small pieces of metal in the engine oil of a car
- Different pigments from an extract of flower petals
- Butter from curd
- Oil from water
- Tea leaves from tea
- Iron pins from sand
- Wheat grains from husk
- Fine mud particles suspended in water
📘 Concept & Theory Concept Builder ›
Separation of mixtures is one of the most important applications of the physical properties of matter. Different substances in a mixture possess different characteristics such as particle size, density, solubility, magnetic nature, boiling point, sublimation tendency, and miscibility. These differences are utilized to separate the components of a mixture.
Before selecting a separation technique, we should identify:
- Whether the mixture is homogeneous or heterogeneous.
- Whether the components are solids, liquids, or gases.
- Whether one component is soluble or insoluble in another.
- Whether the substances differ in density, magnetic properties, or volatility.
🗺️ Solution Roadmap Step-by-step Plan ›
Identify the type of mixture.
Determine the physical property that differs among the components.
Select the separation technique based on that property.
Justify why the chosen method is the most suitable.
📊 Graph / Figure Graph / Figure ›
✏️ Solution Complete Solution ›
- a. Sodium chloride from its solution in water
- Identify the mixture.
Sodium chloride is dissolved in water, forming a homogeneous solution. - Observe the difference in properties.
Water is volatile and can evaporate, whereas sodium chloride is non-volatile. - Select the separation method.
Evaporation or Crystallization can be used. - Perform the separation.
Water is heated and evaporates, leaving behind sodium chloride crystals. - b. Ammonium chloride from a mixture containing sodium chloride and ammonium chloride
- Identify the components.
The mixture contains sodium chloride and ammonium chloride. - Observe the physical property difference.
Ammonium chloride undergoes sublimation, whereas sodium chloride does not. - Select the separation method.
Sublimation is the most suitable technique. - Perform the separation.
On heating, ammonium chloride changes directly intovapours. These vapours are cooled and collected as solid ammonium chloride, while sodium chloride remains behind.
Answer: Sublimation. - c. Small pieces of metal in the engine oil of a car
- Identify the mixture.
Metal particles are suspended in liquid engine oil. - Observe the difference in physical state and particle size.
The metal pieces are solid impurities present in a liquid. - Select the separation method.
Filtration is suitable. If the particles are iron-based, magnetic separation may also be used. - Perform the separation.
The oil is passed through a filter that traps metal particles.
Answer: Filtration (or Magnetic Separation if the metal is magnetic). - d. Different pigments from an extract of flower petals
- Identify the mixture.
Flower extract contains several coloured pigments. - Observe the property difference.
Different pigments move at different rates through an absorbent medium. - Select the separation method.
Chromatography is used. - Perform the separation.
The pigments travel different distances on chromatographic paper and get separated into distinct bands.
Answer: Chromatography. - e. Butter from curd
- Identify the mixture.
Curd contains fat globules dispersed in liquid. - Observe the density difference.
Fat particles are lighter than the liquid portion. - Select the separation method.
Churning (centrifugation principle) is used. - Perform the separation.
Churning causes fat globules to come together and separate as butter.Answer: Churning/Centrifugation. - f. Oil from water
- Identify the mixture.
Oil and water are immiscible liquids. - Observe the density difference.
Oil forms the upper layer while water forms the lower layer. - Select the separation method.
Separating funnel is used. - Perform the separation.
Water is allowed to flow out first through the stopcock, leaving oil behind.
Answer: Separating Funnel (Decantation). - g. Tea leaves from tea
- Identify the mixture.
Tea leaves are insoluble solids suspended in liquid tea. - Observe the difference in particle size.
Tea leaves are large enough to be retained by a filter. - Select the separation method.
Filtration is used. - Perform the separation.
Tea is poured through a strainer or filter which retains the leaves.
Answer: Filtration. - h. Iron pins from sand
- Identify the components.
Iron pins and sand are mixed together. - Observe the difference in magnetic property.
Iron is magnetic while sand is non-magnetic. - Select the separation method.
Magnetic separation is used. - Perform the separation.
A magnet attracts iron pins, leaving sand behind.
Answer: Magnetic Separation. - i. Wheat grains from husk
- Identify the mixture.
Wheat grains are mixed with husk. - Observe the density difference.
Husk is much lighter than wheat grains. - Select the separation method.
Winnowing is used. - Perform the separation.
Air current carries away the lighter husk while heavier wheat grains fall down.
Answer: Winnowing. - j. Fine mud particles suspended in water
- Identify the mixture.
Fine mud particles are suspended in water. - Observe the density difference.
Mud particles are heavier than water. - Select the separation method.
Sedimentation followed by decantation or filtration can be used. - Perform the separation.
Mud particles settle at the bottom. The clear water is carefully poured off. Further purification can be done by filtration.
Answer: Sedimentation and Decantation (or Filtration).
🎯 Exam Significance Exam Significance ›
- Frequently asked in CBSE school examinations as direct short-answer questions.
- Tests understanding of physical properties used in separation techniques.
- Forms the conceptual foundation for laboratory experiments in Chemistry.
- Important for NTSE, Olympiads, Navodaya, Sainik School, and other scholarship examinations.
- Questions based on choosing the correct separation method are commonly asked in MCQs.
- Develops analytical thinking by connecting physical properties with practical applications.
🔑 Key Takeaways Key Takeaways ›
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Every separation technique is based on one or more differences in physical properties.
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Evaporation and crystallization are used for separating dissolved solids from solutions.
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Sublimation separates substances that directly change from solid to vapour.
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Filtration separates insoluble solids from liquids.
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Magnetic separation works when one component is magnetic.
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Chromatography separates coloured components and dissolved substances.
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Separating funnel is used for immiscible liquids.
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Winnowing depends on differences in weight and density.
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Sedimentation and decantation are useful for heavier suspended impurities.
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Understanding the property difference is the key to selecting the correct separation method.