Small stones can be separated from the food grains by
hand-picking
Hand-picking – The method by which the components of a mixture can be separated by just picking by hand is called hand-picking. The difference in size and color of components form the basis of separation.
For example – Separating small stones and straw from grains.
The explanation for the correct answer - (D) Hand-picking
Substances like small stones and pebbles can easily be separated by hand-picking.
The explanation for the incorrect answers -
(A) Winnowing – The method by which lighter components of a mixture are separated from heavier components with the help of air or by blowing is called winnowing. The method is based on differences in the weight of components.
For example – removal of the husk(outer covering) from the seed.
(B) Sieving – The method by which the components of a mixture can be separated from each other based on differences in their sizes with the help of a sieve is called sieving.
For example – fine wheat flour can be separated from coarse flour with a sieve.
(C) Magnetic separation – The method by which the components of a mixture can be separated using a magnet. The separation is based on the difference in magnetic properties of the components.
For example – iron filings can be separated from sand with the help of a magnet.
hence, option (D) is correct. Small stones can be separated from the food grains by hand-picking.