Question

There are three liquids A, B and C, all having different densities and different boiling points. Liquids A and C are organic in nature whereas liquid B is considered to be inorganic. When liquids A and B are put together in a container, they form a single layer. On the other hand, when liquids B and C are mixed, they form two separate layers :

(a) Which process will you use to separate a mixture of A and B ?
(b) Which method will you use to separate a mixture of B and C ?
(c) Name the liquids which would behave like (i) A (ii) B and (iii) C.

Answer 1

(a) Liquid A is organic and liquid B is inorganic. When mixed, they form a single layer, i.e., they are miscible liquids. So, we will use fractional distillation to separate the mixture of liquid A and liquid B.
(b) Liquid B is inorganic and liquid C is organic. We will use a separating funnel to separate the mixture of liquid B and liquid C as they form two different layers.
(c)
(i) Liquid A is organic. When liquid A and liquid B are put together in a container, they form a single layer. So, alcohol would behave like liquid A.
(ii) Liquid B is inorganic. So, water would behave like liquid B.
(iii) Liquid C is organic. When liquid B and liquid C are mixed together, they form two separate layers. Oil would behave like liquid C.