Question

The mixture of sand and camphor is purified by:

• A. Separating funnel
• B. Distillation
• C. Cooling
• D. Sublimation

Answer 1

The correct option is D

Sublimation

Explanation for correct answer:

Option D Sublimation

• Sublimation is the process where the compound changes from solid to vapours directly.
• In the mixture of sand and camphor, both the components are present in a solid state,
• While heating, sand does not change its state but camphor on heating changes to vapour, and sand is left behind.
• Therefore, the mixture of sand and camphor can be purified by sublimation.
• Hence option (D) Sublimation is correct.

Explanation for incorrect answer:

Option A Separating funnel

• A separating funnel is used to separate mixtures of the liquid components with different densities.
• Since two mixtures are immiscible, when it is poured into the separating funnel they would form two different layers.
• The solvent with high density will be the bottom layer and the solvent with low density will be the upper layer in the separating funnel.
• The knob of the separating funnel is then opened and the two layers are collected separately in different beakers.
• Hence option (A) separating funnel is incorrect

Option B Distillation

• Distillation is used to separate a mixture of liquid components with different boiling points.
• The liquid with a low boiling point will evaporate first and then condense and get collected in a separate beaker.
• Hence option (B) Distillation is incorrect

Option C Cooling

• Cooling is not a separation technique.
• Hence option (C) Cooling is incorrect