Separating Mixtures Lab

Pick a mixture and choose a separation method. See whether filtration, evaporation, distillation, magnetism, or decanting can split the components apart, and find out exactly why.

Step 1 — Choose a mixture

Step 2 — Choose a separation method

Result

Select a mixture and a method, then click Apply Method.

Reference Guide

Properties of Mixtures

A mixture contains two or more substances that are physically combined but not chemically bonded. Each component keeps its own properties and can be recovered.

  • Homogeneous mixtures look the same throughout (salt water, alcohol water).
  • Heterogeneous mixtures have visible distinct parts (sand water, iron filings sand).
  • Solubility describes how well a substance dissolves in a liquid. Dissolved solids cannot be filtered.

Separation Techniques

Filtration traps insoluble solids in filter paper while liquid passes through.
Evaporation boils off the liquid, leaving a dissolved solid behind as crystals.
Distillation boils a mixture, cools the vapour, and collects the liquid with the lower boiling point.
Magnetism pulls iron and other ferromagnetic materials away from non-magnetic substances.
Decanting carefully pours the upper layer away from a denser settled layer below.

Why Separation Matters

Separation techniques are used in everyday life and industry to obtain pure substances or remove unwanted components.

  • Water treatment plants use filtration and distillation to make drinking water safe.
  • Oil refineries use fractional distillation to separate crude oil into petrol, diesel, and kerosene.
  • Recycling facilities use magnetism to separate steel cans from other materials on conveyor belts.
  • Salt is harvested from sea water by large-scale evaporation in coastal salt pans.