Separating mixtures

Separating mixtures

1. Magnetic

   • We use magnetic separation if we want to separate mixtures that consist of substances attracted by magnets and substances that are not

2. Decantation

   • Heavy sediments in liquids sink to the bottom of a container. When we decant liquid, we pour off the liquid so that the sediment remain in the container. Oil and water can also be separated by decantation

3. Filtration

   • Filtration separates much smaller particles from a liquid or gas. A filter is used to catch the particles, but allows the liquid to pass.

4. Evaporation

   • Evaporation is used to remove water in sat evaporation ponds

5. Distillation

   • When two liquids evaporate at different rate, the mixture can be separated using distillation. Liquid is heated and as the ethanol has a lower boiling point that water,it evaporates first and forms water vapour. Vapour is then collected and cooled, resulting in pure ethanol. Distillation is used to produce alcohol and in the petrochemical industry