Reference no: EM132753694
In addition to the separation techniques used in this lab (magnetism, evaporation, and filtering), there are other commonly used separation techniques. Some of these techniques are:
Distillation - this process is used to separate components that have significantly different boiling points. The solution is heated and the lower boiling point substance is vaporized first. The vapor can be collected and condensed and the component recovered as a pure liquid. If the temperature of the mixture is then raised, the next higher boiling component will come off and be collected. Eventually only non-volatile components will be left in the original solution.
Centrifugation - a centrifuge will separate mixtures based on their mass. The mixture is placed in a centrifuge tube which is then spun at a high speed. Heavier components will settle at the bottom of the tube while lighter components will be at the top. This is the technique used to separate red blood cells from blood plasma.
Sieving - this is similar to filtration, but the sample is passed through a screen which allows smaller particles to go through and retains the larger particles.
Paper chromatography - this is a technique that separates a mixture based on the individual substance's tendency to travel across a paper surface. This technique is used frequently to separate different dyes.
Separatory Funnel - this is a glass container with a stopcock on the bottom. Two immiscible solutions are put in it. Since the solutions do not mix, they will separate into two layers, the more dense one will be on the bottom. The stopcock can then be opened and the more dense liquid will flow out and can be collected.
1. Consider the following separation problems. Decide which of the above techniques, including the ones you used in your lab, would be the best to use for separating the mixtures. You may need to use more than one technique for a given sample. Then give a brief explanation as to how you would do the separation.
A. Water and Sugar
B. Mixture of Hexane (Boiling Point = 68.7oC) and Octane (Boiling Point = 125oC)
C. Solid I2 (non-polar solid) and NaCl
D. The mixture of inks present in a "Sharpie" permanent marking pen
E. Nickel shavings and copper pellets