Question

What is the best order to separate this mixture? (The choices below indicate the separation technique and what is separated)

picking - styrofam

magnetism - iron filings

evaporation - salt, water

filter - solids from liquid

Answer 1

To separate the mixture of water, salt, iron filings, sand, and Styrofoam, you can follow the following steps:

1. Use a magnet to separate the iron filings. Since iron is magnetic, the magnet will attract the iron filings, allowing you to separate them from the rest of the mixture.
2. Pour the remaining mixture (water, salt, sand, and Styrofoam) into a container. The sand will settle at the bottom due to its higher density.
3. Use filtration to separate the sand from the liquid. Set up a filtration system using filter paper or a sieve. Pour the mixture through the filter, which will allow the liquid (water and salt) to pass through while retaining the sand on the filter.
4. Now you have a mixture of water and salt. You can use evaporation to separate the water from the salt. Pour the liquid into a shallow container and leave it in a well-ventilated area. As the water evaporates, the salt will remain behind.
5. Finally, you are left with the Styrofoam, which can be separated by picking it out manually from the mixture.

By following these steps, you can separate the different components of the mixture effectively.