Question

Explain with the help of a diagram how can a mixture of oil and water be separated.

Answer 1

Oil and water can be separated using a separation funnel. The experimental set up is shown in the figure:



The mixture of oil and water is poured into the separating funnel and allowed to stand for some time. The oil accumulates at the top of the funnel and water near the bottom as shown in the figure. If the stop cock at the bottom is opened, water flows out of the funnel and can be collected in a beaker. If the stop cock is closed when the oil reaches the level of the stop cock, we will have oil in the funnel and water in the beaker.