Question

describe the best method for separating a mixture of sand, salt, and steel shavings by placing the steps below in the correct order. heat the mixture to evaporate the water. pour the mixture through a filter to separate the sand. pass a magnet over the mixture to remove the steel. add water to the sand/salt mixture and stir to dissolve the salt. done

Explanation:

Step1: Remove steel shavings

First, use a magnet to remove steel shavings (since steel is magnetic). So the step "Pass a magnet over the mixture to remove the steel" is step 1.

Step2: Dissolve salt in water

Next, add water to the remaining sand - salt mixture and stir to dissolve the salt. So the step "Add water to the sand/salt mixture and stir to dissolve the salt" is step 2.

Step3: Filter to separate sand

Then, pour the mixture through a filter to separate the sand (the sand will be trapped in the filter, and the salt - water solution will pass through). So the step "Pour the mixture through a filter to separate the sand" is step 3.

Step4: Evaporate water to get salt

Finally, heat the salt - water mixture to evaporate the water and obtain the salt. So the step "Heat the mixture to evaporate the water" is step 4.

Answer:

The correct order of the steps is:

1. Pass a magnet over the mixture to remove the steel.
2. Add water to the sand/salt mixture and stir to dissolve the salt.
3. Pour the mixture through a filter to separate the sand.
4. Heat the mixture to evaporate the water.

(In terms of the numbering of the check - boxes in the original problem, if we assume the check - boxes are numbered from top to bottom as 1, 2, 3, 4:
The order of the check - box numbers is 4, 3, 1, 2)