Question

An oil skimmer is a machine used to separate a mixture of oil and water. After an oil spill in a body of water, skimmers are used to remove the floating oil from the water. Which property is being used to separate oil and water in this way

Answer 1

Oil is less dense than water so it floats, that is also why you have to shake real well any oil- based salad dressings (Italian and vinegarettes) before using.

Answer 2

The property of specific gravity is used to separate oil from water in the process of skimming.

Step-by-step explanation:

• The specific gravity values of oil and water are different. This allows the oil to adhere better to the skimmer and leave the water behind.

• Oil bonds better to surfaces that offer friction. As the frictional index of water is negligible, oil floats on the water without mixing up with it, making it easy for the skimmer to skim the oil out of water.