Question

Describe a method for separating a mixture of iron filings and sulphur powder other than that by using a magnet.

Answer 1

The method for separating a mixture of iron filings and sulphur powder, employs the use of carbon disulphide as a solvent followed by filtration and evaporation.
Sulphur dissolves in carbon disulphide, whereas iron does not. So, the solution will contain undissolved iron in it. This can then be filtered using a filter paper, where iron remains as residue and is collected on the filter paper. The filtrate obtained contains sulphur dissolved in it. On evaporating the solvent of the filtrate, we obtain sulphur.