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.
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