Question

Suggest separation technique(s) one would need to employ to separate the given mixture - Kerosene oil, water and salt

Answer 1

Step 1: Decantation

• Kerosene oil and water can be separated by decantation using a separating funnel on the basis of the principle Immiscible layers separate out into layers depending on their densities in the separating funnel.
• A mixture of kerosene oil and water is poured into the separating funnel, by the process of decantation
• Let it stand undisturbed for some time so that separate layers of oil and water are formed.
• The stopcock is to be opened of the separating funnel and then pour out the lower layer of water carefully.
• Then close the stopcock of the separating funnel as the oil reaches the stopcock.

Kerosene is separated from salt solution in water:

• Kerosene is separated from salt solution in water by decantation using a separating funnel.
• Kerosene being lighter forms an upper layer.
• As soon as it forms a layer it is separated by tilting or filtering that layer formed

Step 2: Separation of salt from water :

• Salt from water is further removed by evaporation.
• At a suitable temperature, water evaporates which is its boiling point and there is salt residue is left at the end
• In this way, salt is being separated from water

Hence, the separation of kerosene oil, salt, and water are achieved by decantation using a separating funnel and evaporation.