Question

a student has a sample of an insoluble solid and a liquid. the task is to separate the mixture into its pure components. what question is best asked in the design of the experiment to determine how to separate the components? a is the solid/liquid mixture toxic in its combined form? b is the solid large enough to be caught by the pores of a filter? c is the melting temperature of the solid lower than that of the liquid? d can the solid be crushed into smaller particles to allow for distillation?

Explanation:

• Option A: Toxicity is not relevant to the separation method.
• Option B: If the solid is large enough to be caught by the pores of a filter, filtration can be used for separation. This is a key factor in choosing the separation method for an insoluble solid - liquid mixture.
• Option C: Melting temperature is not relevant for separating an insoluble solid - liquid mixture. Filtration or decantation (based on density) are more relevant methods than considering melting points.
• Option D: Distillation is used for separating liquids with different boiling points or for separating a soluble solid from a liquid (by evaporating the liquid). For an insoluble solid - liquid mixture, distillation is not the appropriate first - step consideration. Crushing the solid is not relevant for the separation of an insoluble solid - liquid mixture by common methods like filtration.

Answer:

B. Is the solid large enough to be caught by the pores of a filter?