Separation Techniques

Magnetic Attraction

uses the basic concept of magnetism

separates a magnetic element from a non-magnetic element in a mixture

Evaporation

a gradual change of state from a liquid to a gas

occurs at the surface of the liquid

used to separate dissolved solids from a solution

the liquid will evaporate into the air, leaving behing the dissolved solids

Chromatography

an analytical method of separation for isolating the coloured components of a mixture

consists of four types of chromatography

paper

used to separate components of a mixture by treating the mixture with a solvent

used to identify poison or drugs

used for RNA fingerprinting in forensics

find coloured coloured substances in food such as canned vegetables or sweets

etc.

a

liquid

gas

ion-exchange

Filtration

Can be used to separate a solid from a liquid

a liquid with solid particles in it is called a "suspension"

When a supsension is filtered, the solid left behind on the filter paper is called the "residue", while the liquid that passes through the filter paper is called the "filtrate"

Can be used to separate a solid from a solid

can be carried out quickly by a electronic device called the "centrifuge"

Fractional Distillation

used to separate a mixture of miscible liquids with different boiling points

liquids that mix are called "miscible"

liquids that do not mix are called "immiscible"

has various purposes in real life

brew alcoholic beverages

separate the different elements present in air

obtain petroleum from crude oil