Mixtures and Separation Techniques

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms from lecture notes on mixtures, their types, and separation techniques.

Solution

A homogeneous mixture formed when a solute fully dissolves in a solvent; particles are too small to scatter light.

Suspension

A heterogeneous mixture in which particles are mixed but not fully dissolved; they can settle as sediment and make a light beam visible.

Colloid

A heterogeneous mixture with particles that are not fully dissolved yet small enough to remain dispersed and not settle; light passes through but is scattered.

Mixture

Matter composed of two or more substances physically combined; may be homogeneous or heterogeneous.

Pure Substance

Matter made of only one type of substance, such as water, salt, gold, or baking soda.

Solute

The substance that dissolves in a solvent to form a solution, e.g., salt or sugar.

Solvent

The substance that dissolves the solute; water is a common solvent.

Soluble

Capable of dissolving in a given solvent.

Insoluble

Incapable of dissolving in a given solvent.

Homogeneous Mixture

A mixture whose components are evenly distributed throughout; looks uniform everywhere (e.g., solutions).

Heterogeneous Mixture

A mixture with components that are not evenly distributed and can be seen separately (e.g., suspensions and colloids).

Diluted Solution

A weak solution containing relatively little solute compared to solvent.

Concentrated Solution

A strong solution containing a large amount of solute relative to solvent.

Mass

A measurement of the amount of matter in an object.

Volume

The amount of space an object or liquid occupies; commonly measured in milliliters (mL).

Meniscus

The curved surface of a liquid in a measuring cylinder; volume is read at its lowest point.

Filtration

A technique for separating a suspension; filter paper lets the liquid (filtrate) pass while trapping solid particles.

Evaporation (separation)

Heating a solution so the solvent vaporizes, leaving the solute behind.

Magnetism (separation)

Using a magnet to separate magnetic metals from non-metallic materials, e.g., removing iron filings from sand.

Chromatography

A method used to separate different colors or pigments in paints, inks, and dyes.

Sieving

Employing a device with holes to separate particles based on size.

Decanting

Allowing a suspension to settle, then carefully pouring off the clear liquid layer.

Distillation

Heating a solution to vaporize the solvent, cooling the vapor to collect pure liquid; used to obtain pure water.

Sediment

Solid particles that settle at the bottom of a container in a suspension.

Filtrate

The liquid that passes through filter paper during filtration.