Separation of Mixtures – Lesson 2.2 Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and definitions related to the preparation and separation of mixtures, as discussed in General Chemistry 1 Lesson 2.2.

Mixture

Matter composed of two or more substances that are physically combined and can be separated by physical means.

Homogeneous Mixture

A mixture with a uniform composition throughout; its components are not visibly distinguishable (e.g., saltwater).

Heterogeneous Mixture

A mixture with a non-uniform composition; its components are visibly distinguishable (e.g., sand and iron filings).

Evaporation

Separation technique where a solution is heated until the solvent vaporizes, leaving solid solutes behind.

Distillation

Technique that separates liquid components of a solution based on differences in their boiling points.

Simple Distillation

Form of distillation used when the boiling-point difference between liquids is large.

Fractional Distillation

Distillation method applied when the boiling-point difference between liquids is small; employs a fractionating column.

Vacuum Distillation

Distillation performed under reduced pressure to separate compounds with very high boiling points.

Steam Distillation

Distillation used for heat-sensitive compounds; steam lowers the boiling point of the mixture components.

Distilling Flask

Glassware that contains the mixture to be distilled during a distillation setup.

Condenser

Apparatus in a distillation setup that cools vapors, turning them back into liquid form.

Distillate

The purified liquid collected after distillation; it has the lower boiling point.

Residue (Distillation)

The substance that remains in the distilling flask after distillation is complete.

Chromatography

Separation technique relying on differential partitioning of mixture components between mobile and stationary phases.

Mobile Phase

The solvent in chromatography that moves and carries analytes along the stationary phase.

Stationary Phase

The fixed adsorbent material in chromatography that interacts with analytes as the mobile phase passes.

Normal-Phase Chromatography

Chromatography where the mobile phase is non-polar and the stationary phase is polar (mnemonic: NPSP).

Reversed-Phase Chromatography

Chromatography where the mobile phase is polar and the stationary phase is non-polar.

Chromatogram

The visual record (spots, bands, or peaks) showing separated components after a chromatography run.

Manual Picking

Physical separation method that removes components by hand or with tongs based on visible differences.

Sieving

Technique that separates solids by passing them through screens or meshes of specific pore size.

Magnetic Separation

Method that uses magnets to attract and remove magnetic materials from a mixture.

Filtration

Process of separating solids from liquids by passing the mixture through a porous filter medium.

Residue (Filtration)

Solid particles left on the filter paper after filtration.

Filtrate

The liquid that has passed through the filter paper during filtration.

Sedimentation

Process in which suspended solids settle at the bottom of a liquid due to gravity.

Decantation

Technique of carefully pouring off a liquid to separate it from settled solids or another immiscible liquid layer.

Separatory Funnel

Laboratory glassware used to separate immiscible liquids based on differences in density.

Centrifugation

Separation method that spins mixtures at high speed so denser particles move outward, forming layers for easy separation.

Refinery

Industrial facility that uses techniques such as distillation to purify substances like crude oil or alcohol.