Question

Suggest separation technique(s) one would need to employ to separate the given mixture - Mercury and water

Answer 1

Decantation method:

• The decantation method is a technique that helps to separate a mixture of two immiscible liquids or suspensions.
• Hence it is used to separate the mixture of Mercury and water.
• The process can be carried out by tilting the mixture after pouring out the top layer in a suitable beaker
• Since Mercury is heavier than water hence it forms a separate layer that can be easily separated in a separating funnel.
• Thus by just opening the stop cork, the heavier liquid will be separated, i.e mercury will be separated from the rest.

Thus mercury and water are separated by the process of decantation.