Question

16 (b). Answer the following in brief:

How will you separate a mixture of sand, salt and iron?

Answer 1

• Magnetic separation: The mixture is spread on a piece of paper, and the magnet is moved around it again and again. By this, iron fillings cling to the magnet. Iron filings are now separated by magnets.
• Sedimentation: Now in the mixture sand and salt are left. The mixture is dissolved in water and left for some time. Sand accumulates at the bottom of the container. Now, the upper layer of salt solution is separated by decantation.
• Evaporation: Now the solution contains only salt and water. The mixture is heated in a broad bottom container. Water is evaporated in the form of vapor and salt remains in the beaker. In this way, all the three components are separated.