Separating Mixtures

Elements

Single pure substances that can't be broken down into anything simpler.

Compound

Consists of one or more elements chemically combined in a particular ratio.

Mixture

Consists of at least 2 different substances and does not have a fixed formula; does not need a chemical reaction to separate.

Homogeneous Mixture

A mixture with a uniform composition throughout.

Heterogeneous Mixture

A mixture that does not have a uniform composition.

Purification

The process of obtaining a pure substance from a mixture by separating it from all other substances.

Impurities

Unwanted substances that are removed during purification.

Solution

Type of homogeneous mixture formed when one substance dissolves in another.

Solute

Substance being dissolved in a solution.

Solvent

Substance that does the dissolving in a solution.

Aqueous Solution

A solution where the solvent is water.

Concentrated Solutions

Solutions that have a lot of dissolved solute.

Solubility

The amount of solute that can be completely dissolved in a certain volume of solvent.

Soluble Substance

Substance that dissolves completely (high solubility).

Insoluble Substance

Substance that will not dissolve (low solubility).

Dilute Solutions

Solutions with only a small amount of dissolved solute.

Saturated Solution

A solution full of solute; cannot hold any more, and additional solute will sink to the bottom.

Solubility Curve

Shows how the amount of solute that dissolves in water changes with temperature.

Super Saturated

More solute is dissolved than theoretically possible.

Saturated Solution

Full, no more space for extra solute

Unsaturated Solution

Still space for more solute to dissolve

Alloys

Metal solutions (dissolved solid in solids).

Colloids

Homogeneous mixtures where the particles are mixed together but not dissolved; often appear cloudy because they scatter light.

Suspensions

Heterogeneous mixture of a solid in a liquid where particles are relatively large, kept permanently suspended, and will eventually separate over time.

Emulsion

Where a liquid is dispersed in another liquid; requires an emulsifying agent (like soap) to prevent separation.

Distillation

Allows us to separate the solvent and solute in a solution based on boiling points.

Distillate

The collected solvent in distillation.

Liebig Condenser

A tube surrounded by a jacket of cold water, used to condense vapor during distillation.

Fractional Distillation

Separation of two liquids by distillation.

Fractionating Tower/Column

A tall glass column filled with glass beads, used to achieve a pure distillate.

Volatile

Easily evaporates

Fractions

The collected liquids, which are distilled at their different boiling temperatures, are called .

Decanting

Gravity

Centrifugation

Using centrifugal force

Filtration

Using filter paper