Question

lab #5: separating mixtures (filtration lab)
problem: how do you separate a mixture of sand, salt, styrofoam pieces, and iron fillings
hypothesis: make a prediction. how will you separate this mixture?
steps to separate mixture: (procedure)

• step 1.

Explanation:

To separate the mixture of sand, salt, Styrofoam pieces, and iron fillings, we can use the following steps based on the physical properties of each component:

1. Separate Iron Fillings: Use a magnet to attract the iron fillings. Iron is magnetic, so the magnet will pick up the iron fillings from the mixture, leaving behind sand, salt, and Styrofoam pieces.

1. Separate Styrofoam Pieces: Add water to the remaining mixture. Styrofoam is less dense than water and will float, while sand and salt will sink or dissolve. Skim off the floating Styrofoam pieces.

1. Separate Sand and Salt: Filter the mixture (sand and salt solution) through filter paper. Sand is insoluble in water and will be trapped in the filter paper, while the salt solution (filtrate) will pass through.

1. Recover Salt: Evaporate the water from the salt solution. This will leave the solid salt behind.

Answer:

The steps to separate the mixture are:

1. Use a magnet to remove iron fillings.
2. Add water and skim off floating Styrofoam.
3. Filter to separate sand from salt solution.
4. Evaporate water to obtain salt.