Methods of Separation

1. Filtration

Aim: To separate chalk from water.

Method:Filter funnel

Residue (yellow solid)

Filtrate

Conical flask

Filter paper

Results: The chalk was left behind in the filter

paper and clear water was collected in the flask.

Conclusion:Chalky water can be separated using

the method of filtration.

• Filtration is used to separate solid particles from a liquid.

2. Distillation

Aim: To separate salt from salty water.

Method:

Results:Salt is formed in the round bottom flask and

water is collected from the condenser.

Conclusion:Distillation can be used to separate salt from

salty water.

Distillation is used to separate a liquid from a dissolved solid or to separate miscible liquids.

The anti-bumping granules give a smoother boiling action when the liquid is being heated. 

The gas/vapour is cooled by cold water in the condenser to condense (gas liquid) it back to a liquid (the distillate) which is collected.

The thermometer indicates the temperature that the reaction is occurring at.

3. Chromatography

1. The material to be separated e.g. a food dye is dissolved in a solvent and carefully spotted onto chromatography paper alongside known colours on a 'start line‘.

2. The paper is carefully dipped into a solvent, which is absorbed into the paper and rises up it.

3. Any colour which horizontally matches another is likely to be the same molecule

Chromatography is used to separate small quantities of mixed liquids.