Mixtures and Separation Methods

These flashcards cover key terms and definitions related to mixtures and methods of separation.

Element

A substance made from one type of atom that cannot be broken down into simpler substances.

Solute

The substance that dissolves in a solvent (e.g., salt).

Solvent

The liquid that a solute dissolves in (e.g., water).

Solution

A mixture formed when a solute is dissolved in a solvent (e.g., instant coffee in water).

Soluble

When a substance dissolves in a solvent (e.g., sugar in water).

Insoluble

When a substance does not dissolve in a solvent (e.g., rocks in water).

Mixture

Two or more substances each with their own properties that are not chemically joined together.

Compound

A substance made from two or more elements chemically bonded together, that can only be separated by a chemical reaction.

Filtration

A physical method used to separate an insoluble solid from a liquid (e.g., sand from water).

Evaporation

A physical method used to separate dissolved solid from a solvent (e.g., separating salt from water).

Crystallisation

A physical method used to separate dissolved solids from a solvent by cooling a saturated solution to form crystals.

Simple Distillation

A physical method used to separate a solvent from a solution (e.g., pure water from seawater).