Question

5. Describe an experiment for separation of kerosene oil from a mixture of kerosene oil and water.

Answer 1

Step 1: Mixture of kerosene oil and water

• Kerosene oil and water are two immiscible liquids, thus, they can be separated by using a separating funnel.
• The separation of two immiscible liquids using a separating funnel is based on the difference in their densities.
• In this separation method, separating funnel is used as an apparatus. It is a long glass tube with a tap at its bottom.

Step 2: Experiment for the separation of kerosene oil from a mixture of kerosene oil and water

The steps for performing the separation process are following:

1. The separating funnel is clamped in a vertical position with an iron stand by closing the tap.
2. The immiscible liquid mixture is poured into the separating funnel.
3. The mixture is allowed to stand for an hour or more
4. The immiscible components of the mixture, i.e., kerosene oil and water separate out into two distinct layers.
5. Water will form the heavier layer at the bottom and kerosene oil will form the lighter layer on the top.
6. Place a conical flask under the nozzle of the separating funnel. Turn the stopcock gently, so that the water drops in the flask drop by drop.
7. Once the water is drained out, close the stopcock.
8. Now place another conical flask under the nozzle of the separating funnel. Open the stopcock to drain out kerosene oil.
9. Now, kerosene oil and water will separate out.

Diagram: