Separating Mixtures

Fractional Distillation

Used to separate liquids with close boiling points or mixtures of more than two liquids. A fractionating column condenses higher boiling vapors (e.g., ethanol at 78°C from water).

Dissolving and Evaporating

Method to separate salt and sand. Salt dissolves in water, sand is filtered out through funnel paper, and then water is evaporated to obtain salt.

Dissolve and Filter

Separation of sand from salt by mixing with water, filtering through funnel paper, and rinsing to remove any extra salt.

Magnet

Separates magnetic substances (e.g., iron from sulfur) using a strong magnet.

Separation Funnel

Used to separate immiscible liquids, such as oil and water. The denser liquid (water) drains from the bottom while the lighter liquid (oil) remains on top.

Chromatography

Separation of different dyes by placing them on chromatography paper and allowing solvent to rise, carrying dyes at different rates.

Distillation

Heating a liquid so it vaporizes, then condensing it back. The liquid with the lower boiling point distills first (e.g., alcohol from water).

Gel Electrophoresis

Separation technique where an electric field causes amino acids and proteins to move differently, allowing them to be separated.