Question

What differences in the properties of oil and water enable their separation by a separating funnel ?

Answer 1

1. Water is not miscible in oil. Even oil is not miscible in water.

2. Oil is lighter than water. Its density is less. So oil floats on top of water.

3. Oil reflects light differently. And has colors. Water is colorless. So we can see the border between water and oil.

These properties enable separation by a separating funnel.