Question

You need to separate a mixture of iron filings, sand, and salt. Which of the three would be easiest to separate first and what method would be best? A) The salt would be easiest to separate, and using a magnet would be the best method. B) The iron filings would be easiest to separate, and using a magnet would be the best method. C) The salt would be easiest to separate, and using hot water to dissolve the other substances would be the best method. D) The sand would be easiest to separate, and using hot water to dissolve the other substances would be the best method?

Answer 1

The answer is B.
Because irons attract to magnets and it would be easier.

Answer 2

Hello!

B) The iron filling would be easiest to separate, and using a magnet would be the best method.

This separation would be based on the magnetic properties of Iron. This is called Ferromagnetism. The magnetic field produced by the magnet will attract the iron filling, which is a ferromagnetic material, unlike sand or salt. All dipolar moments of the electrons of iron align towards the magnetic field and allow for easy separation of the iron filling.

Have a nice day!