Separating Mixtures

Magnetism

Used when one component of the mixture has magnetic properties, allowing it to be easily separated from the mix. (Specifically iron, nickel, and cobalt)

Filtration

Used when separating a solid substance from a fluid (liquid or gas) by passing the mixture through a porous material. Works by letting the fluid pass through but not the liquid.

Decanting

A process to separate mixtures by removing a liquid layer free of any precipitate, or the solids deposited from a solution. Not entirely pure separation, so the purpose is to obtain a decant (liquid free from particulates) or to recover the precipitate.

Sifting/Sieving

Used to separate a dry mixture containing substances of different sizes (grainy, not grainy) by passing it through a sieve.

Extraction

Used to separate an insoluble solid from a soluble solid. Done by adding a solvent to the mixture, then pouring the liquid through a filter.

Liquid-liquid Extraction

2 immiscible (not soluble) liquids are used to transfer a solute from one phase to another, based on the difference in solubility in the liquids.

Crystallization

A process where there is the formation of a supersaturation solution followed by nucleation and crystal growth. Produces highly pure solids.

Centrifugation

Centrifuges rotate containers of liquids to separate suspended materials with different densities.

Distillation

Used to separate homogenous mixtures based on the difference in boiling points of the substances involved.

Evaporation

Allows the liquid to evaporate, leaving the soluble solid behind.

Chromatography

Separation is done by distributing its components between two phases. Differences in factors such as the solubility of certain components in the mobile phase and the strength of their affinities for the stationary phase facilitate the separation of components within that mixture.