← Visual LabSeparating MixturesStates →

Separating Mixtures

A mixture can be separated using differences in the parts, such as particle size, boiling point or solubility. Pick the right method for each one.

How would you separate

The four techniques

Filtration separates an insoluble solid from a liquid. The solid is caught in the filter paper (the residue); the liquid passes through (the filtrate).
Evaporation gets a dissolved solid back from its solution. The water is heated away, leaving the solid crystals behind.
Distillation collects the liquid itself from a solution. The liquid boils, the vapour is cooled in a condenser and collected as pure liquid.
Chromatography separates dissolved colours or dyes. They travel up the paper at different speeds because some are more soluble than others.