Separation methods and substance properties – basics and principles
How it works
Separation methods are used to break down mixtures of substances into their components. The choice of a suitable separation method depends on the properties of the substances involved, such as particle size, solubility, density, boiling point or magnetic properties. The most important separation methods include filtration, distillation, decanting, sieving, chromatography and magnetic separation. Substance properties such as colour, smell, state of matter, solubility, density and magnetism help to distinguish substances and select suitable separation methods. Most separation methods are physical, i.e. the substances do not change chemically in the process.
To separate a mixture of substances, choose the method that specifically uses a different property of the components without changing their chemical composition.
An example
Which separation method is best suited to remove sand from a sand-water mixture?
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50 Exercises
To the learning unit →Own explanation and own practice exercises by AmyMath. Subject reference framework: Chemistry. The topic assignment may vary by federal state.