12.1.4

Separating Mixtures

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Separation Techniques

We can normally separate mixtures and compounds into the elements or compounds that are found in them. We use physical processes to separate them. These processes don't create new chemical substances (there are no chemical reactions). Some separation processes are:

Illustrative background for FiltrationIllustrative background for Filtration ?? "content

Filtration

  • Separates mixtures of insoluble (can't dissolve) solids and liquids.
  • Done by pouring the mixture through filter paper:
    • The insoluble solid is trapped.
    • The liquid runs through the paper and is collected below.
    • 'Filtrate' is the name for a liquid or solution that has passed through a filter.
Illustrative background for CrystallisationIllustrative background for Crystallisation ?? "content

Crystallisation

  • Separates solutions into their constituent (different) parts: dissolved solids (solutes) and liquids (solvents).
  • Heat the mixture so that the solvent evaporates.
    • Eventually, crystals of the solute (dissolved solids) will form.
    • We can collect the solvent (liquid) by condensing it as it evaporates.
  • 'Residue' is the name for a substance that remains after evaporation, distillation, filtration or any similar process.
Illustrative background for ChromatographyIllustrative background for Chromatography ?? "content

Chromatography

  • Separates solutions with a number of different solutes (solids) in the solvent (liquid).
  • Place a drop of the solution to be separated near the bottom of a piece of chromatography paper. Dip the very bottom of the paper into a suitable solvent. The solvent (liquid) moves up the paper and carries the solutes (solids) in the solution with it.
    • Different solutes (solids) move at different speeds, so they separate on the paper.

Jump to other topics

1States of Matter

2Atoms, Elements & Compounds

3Stoichometry

4Electrochemistry

5Chemical Energetics

6Chemical Reactions

7Acids, Bases & Salts

8The Periodic Table

9Metals

10Chemistry of the Environment

11Organic Chemistry

11.1Formulae, Functional Groups & Terminology

11.2Naming Organic Compounds

11.3Fuels

11.4Alkanes

11.5Alkenes

11.6Alcohols

11.7Carboxylic Acids

11.8Polymers

12Experimental Techniques & Chemical Analysis

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