METHODS FOR SEPARATING MIXTURES

We often find that we have homogeneous and heterogeneous mixtures in which we have to separate the components without altering the nature of the pure substances in the process.

Magnetic separation

It can only be used when one of the components has magnetic properties (like iron) and the others don´t.

Decantation

We use decantation for liquids with different densities that don’t mix together (immiscible), such as oil and water.

Filtration

We use this method to separate a solid from a liquid that hasn’t dissolved insoluble), such as sand and water.

We use different methods in Water Treatment Process. Is very important nowadays to recycle the water we use in order to have a sustainable city.

You can see the process in the video.

Distillation

We use distillation to separate soluble liquids with very different boiling points from each other, such as water and alcohol.

Also we use distillation to produce fuels that run our cars, trucks and planes.

Crystalaisation

We use this method to separate a solid dissolved in a liquid, such as salt in water. The process starts with evaporating (naturally or forced via heat) the solvent and ends with the depositing of the solid in the form of crystals at the bottom of the container (usually a crystalliser). The slower the evaporation of the solvent, the larger the crystals will be.

You can see in this video how to evaporate seawater to make salt crystals