Question

A mixture of iron nails, salt, oil, and water is provided to you. Give stepwise methods to separate each component from this mixture.

Answer 1

The separation of a mixture of iron nails, salt, oil, and water can be done by various methods which are discussed in the steps below:

1. Magnetic separation
2. Separating funnel
3. Evaporation

Step 1: Magnetic separation:

• “Magnetic separation is the process of separating components of mixtures by using a magnet to attract magnetic substances.”
• In this method, the iron nails are attracted by using magnets.
• Thus, iron nails can be easily separated out from the mixture with the help of a magnet.

Step 2: Separating funnel:

• A separatory funnel (sep funnel) is used to separate immiscible liquids.
• The separating funnel is used to separate the two immiscible liquids.
• The separation of oil and water can be done by using a separating funnel and oil gets collected separately.

Step 3: Evaporation:

• Evaporation occurs on the surface of a liquid as it changes into the gas phase.
• It is a technique in which a liquid phase changes to a gaseous phase.
• The mixture of salt and water can be easily separated out by using the evaporation method.

Thus, the mixture of iron nails, salt, oil, and water can be done by the steps discussed above.