Question

How will you separate a mixture containing kerosene oil and water?

Answer 1

Separating a mixture containing kerosene oil and Water $\left({\mathrm{H}}_2\mathrm{O}\right)$:

The suitable method for separating a mixture containing kerosene oil and water is by using separating funnel.

Separating funnel: It is an apparatus in which two immiscible liquids can be separated with the help of a stopcock fitted on the stem of the funnel.

Principle involved in the separation of mixture:

• Two immiscible liquids have different densities due to which they are present in the form of two different layers which can be separated by separating funnel.
• Immiscible liquids: A mixture of two or more liquids which do not mix with each other and are present in the form of separate layers instead of one. Example: kerosene oil in water, vegetable oil in water.

Process of separation is as follows:

• Take the mixture of kerosene oil and water and pour it in the separating funnel placed on a tripod stand.
• Place an empty beaker below the stem of the separating funnel to collect the liquid.
• As kerosene oil has less density than water, kerosene forms the upper layer whereas water forms the bottom layer.
• These two separate layers are clearly visible.
• Carefully open the stopcock of the funnel to allow the lower layer of water to pass through.
• Close the stopcock as the kerosene oil approaches near the stopcock to avoid mixing kerosene oil in the water.
• Thus, kerosene oil is separated from the water.