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MARFRANCISCO, PINAMALAYAN,
BASIC EDUCATION DEPARTMENT ORIENTAL MINDORO
043-284-4504

Senior High School Abada College Basic Education Department

ABADA COLLEGE

GENERAL CHEMISTRY I
Methods of Separating Components of Mixture and
Compound and Isotopes

QUARTER 1 MODULE 3
TIME FRAME: February 1-19,2021
Learning Competencies:

➢ apply simple separation techniques such as distillation, chromatography

➢ describe separation techniques for mixtures and compounds

➢ differentiate among atomic number, mass number, and isotopes, and which of
these distinguishes one element from another
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Introductory Message
Welcome to the General Chemistry I, Self-Learning Module on Methods of Separating
Components of Mixture and Compound. The hand is one of the most symbolic parts of the human
body. It is often used to depict skill, action and purpose. Through our hands, we may learn, create
and accomplish.
Hence, the hand in this learning resource signifies that as a learner, you are capable and empowered
to successfully achieve the relevant competencies and skills at your own pace and time. Your
academic success lies in your own hands!

This module was designed to provide you with fun and meaningful opportunities for guided and
independent learning at your own pace and time. You will be enabled to process the contents of the
learning resource while being an active learner.

The following are some reminders in using this module:

1. Use the module with care. Do not put unnecessary mark/s on any part of the
module. Use the answer sheet provided in answering the exercises.
2. Don’t forget to answer What I Know before moving on to the other activities
included in the module.
3. Read the instructions carefully before doing each task.
4. Observe honesty and integrity in doing the tasks.
5. Finish the task at hand before proceeding to the next.
6. Return this module to your teacher on the deadline stated on the front page.

If you encounter any difficulty in answering the tasks in this module, do not hesitate to consult
me through text or call ____________________and through email
____________________________and. Always bear in mind that you are not alone, we the Basic
Education Department, Abada College will help you grow.
We hope that through this material, you will experience meaningful learning and gain deep
understanding of the relevant competencies. You can do it!

Learning Objectives:

➢ Describe how isotopes are formed

➢ Discuss the significance of isotopes to mass number
➢ Solve problems on percent abundance of elements
➢ Differentiate operationally a compound and a mixture
➢ State the process of separating mixture from compound.
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Methods of Separating
Lesson1 Components of Mixture and
Compounds
The earth is full of different mixtures which are present on land, water and air. These mixtures play
important roles in our life because of their uses in the filed agriculture, health, industries and even to
our practical living. However, substances in their mixture forms are not always the ideal substances
for us based from what we are aiming to get or to do, rather its components are more important.
Thus, a mixture must undergo such process in order to breakdown its components for our ideal use.
This module will discuss the different methods of separating components of mixtures and compounds
as well as the important laboratory technique and safety rules that need to observe.

PRE-TEST
A. Multiple Choice. Read and answer each statement carefully then write the letter of the best
answer on a separate sheet of paper.

1. A heterogeneous mixture can be separated by all of the following methods EXCEPT ____.
A. filtration C. distillation
B. decantation D. mechanical separation

2. To get salt out of a solution, we could use ____ .

A. filtration C. distillation
B. decantation D. mechanical separation

3. Mary wants to get the iron filings out of some fine sand, what could be used to separate these
two solids?
A. Magnet B. Sieve C. Evaporation D. Decantation

4. Condensing means transforming from gas to _____.

A. solid B. liquid C. gas D. plasma

5. If I pour the water off after I boil the banana, this method is an example of _____.
A. filtration C. distillation
B. decantation D. mechanical separation

B. Sentence Completion. Complete each statement with a word/ concept. Write your answer on a
separate sheet of paper.

1. Separating sand and water could be done through ______________________.

2. ___________________ involves the use of centrifuge to speed up the settling of the precipitate
using centrifugal or rotating motion.

3. The separation technique that takes advantage of different boiling points in called
____________.

4. The best way to decompose water into oxygen and hydrogen is by ____________________ .

5. The sugar in sugar solution can be removed by ___________________.

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What’s In?
LET US HAVE SOME FUN!

Situational Analysis. Analyze the scenario below then answer the following guide questions.

Your plane suddenly crushed in an island and luckily you survived.

The island is full of fruit bearing plants but no source of fresh water.

Guide Questions

1. What would you do to convert the ocean water into potable water?
2. Which separating method could be used to separate water and salt from sea water?

What is the Method of Separating Components of Mixture?

Method of Separating Components of Mixtures

If we are to study the meaning of method of separating components of mixtures and compound, we
need to determine first the meaning of important concepts. First method which is described as
procedure, process, way or technique. Second is the separate which means to move, segregate or
keep apart. Third is the component which means constituent, section or a part of a larger whole. And
lastly is the word mixture which means a substance produced when two or more pure substances
are put together in any proportion without a chemical union. Thus, method of separating components
of mixtures is a procedure or process of segregating or moving the constituent or part of a substance
which is made up of two or more pure substances.

What are the Methods of Separating the Components of Mixtures and Compounds?

Once again, method of separating components of mixtures is a procedure or process of segregating

or moving the constituent or part of a substance which is made up of two or more pure substances.
Sample of a mixture is sea water because sea water contains both water and salt which are mixed
together in different proportion or amount. Another example is mixture of water conglomerate which
is a mixture of sand, gravel and cement which is used as construction materials.
So, what are the different methods of separating the components of mixtures and compounds? What
are the laboratory techniques and safety rules that must be observed in performing those methods?
Let us find out the different separating methods.
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1. Filtration

It is the process of separating the insoluble solid from the liquid substance by allowing the
liquid to pass through a porous material called filtering agent. The solid particles which are retained
in the filter paper is called residue, and the clear liquid which passes through a filtering agent such
as filter paper is called the filtrate. In using a filter paper, a glass funnel is used as a support. To
transfer the mixture (liquid) from the beaker into the funnel, you have to mix thoroughly the mixture
using a stirring rod so that no solid substance will be left behind. A stirring rod may also be used to
guide the mixture into the funnel to avoid spillage especially if the said funnel is too small. See to it
also that the filter paper is not damaged before using it.

Filtration Process

2. Decantation
This is a method used to separate the liquid layer known as supernatant and a heavy insoluble
solid known as precipitate by allowing the said solid to settle at the bottom of the container then the
liquid above the solid is poured off carefully into another container. In decantation process, the
mixture is being set aside and given enough time the precipitate to settle at the bottom of the
container such as a beaker. Unlike the filtration process where you can immediately pour the mixture
into the funnel, you have to wait all the precipitate to settle at the bottom of the container before the
actual pouring can be done. In the decantation process, you have to pour the liquids into another
container very slowly. A stirring rod may also be used to guide the liquid into another container to
avoid spillage especially if the said container is too small. In checking the temperature of a container
such as beaker, you may use the back part of your hand to determine it hotness. Do not immediately
touch the container.
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Decantation Process

4. Centrifugation
It is the process that uses a motor device known
as centrifuge that speeds up the settling of the
precipitate using centrifugal or rotating motion. As the
mixture inside the test tube of the centrifuge is
subjected to centrifugal force, the heavier component
settles at the bottom and the less dense component
settles at the upper portion. Example of this is
separating the components of blood which includes the
plasma, buffy coat and the blood cells. In using the
centrifuge, the number of the test tube inside should
have equal distances and the cover of the centrifuge
should be tightly covered to avoid any untoward
incident.
Centrifugation

5. Distillation
This is a process that involves the evaporation and condensation of a liquid solvent from a
mixture or solution. This method uses the different boiling points of the components of a mixture.
The more volatile liquid in the mixture boils, the more it evaporates, then condenses. The distillate is
the liquid formed from the condensation of the vapor. Content of the container should always be
checked to avoid drying up of the said container.

Distillation Process
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6. Chromatography
This process uses the difference in the degrees to which substances are absorbed on the
surface of an inert substance such as a filter paper. A drop of ink or extract will be separated into
different components if it is placed at the end of a filter paper and the tip of the paper is allowed to
barely touch the solvent. Separate bands of colors, representing the different components will appear
on the paper. In doing this process, the filter paper should ensure the touching of the solvent.

Chromatography Process
7. Electrolysis
This is a chemical decomposition or breakdown produced by passing an electric current
through a liquid or solution containing ions. Example of this is the separation of oxygen atom to the
hydrogen atoms from the water molecules. In doing this method, the positive and negative electrodes
should be submerged completely in the liquid to effectively separate the ions.

Chromatography Process
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Mini-Performance Task

Activity 1 – Methods of Separation

Procedure
A. Sand of time
1. Prepare 1 kg soil from the backyard and sieve.
2. Transfer the 1 kg soil into the sieve. Measure the mass of the sand and the materials left
on the sieve.
B. Pass it through the cloth
1. Measure 100 mL water from the bottom of your water container.
2. Cover the top of a glass with a piece of cloth then pour the 100 mL water unto it
3. After pouring the water, observe the surface of the cloth. Note any observation that you will
make.

Observations

1. _________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

2. _________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

Assessment

POST-TEST

A. Multiple Choice. Read and answer each statement carefully then write the letter of the best
answer on a separate sheet of paper.

1. In preparing coffee using the Barako coffee beans, you may pour the boiled coffee mixture into a
piece of cloth. Which method is being illustrated?
A. Filtration C. Distillation
B. Decantation D. Mechanical separation

2. Which of the following mixtures could NOT be used in separating the components of mixtures
through decantation?
A. Quail egg in hot water C. Sand in glass of water
B. Sugar in hot water D. Utensils in warm water
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3. Which of these methods could be used to separate an insoluble solid from a soluble solid?
A. Mixing the mixture with water and then filtering it. Then evaporate the water from the
resulting liquid.
B. Mixing the mixture with sand and then filtering it. Then evaporate the sand from the
resulting solid
C. Mixing the mixture with hydrogen gas and then filtering it. Then evaporate the solids out.
D. None of the above.

4. Which method uses the boiling point differences by gradually heating a mixture?
A. Filtration C. Distillation
B. Decantation D. Mechanical separation

5. A coffee filter is used to separate coffee liquid from ground, this is a suitable example of ____.
A. filtration C. distillation
B. decantation D. mechanical separation

Complete each statement with a word/ concept. Write your answer in a separate sheet of
paper.

1. ___is a chemical decomposition of breakdown produced by passing an electric current through a

liquid or solution containing ions.

2. ___involves the use of forceps, sieves and other similar tools to separate the components of
mixtures.

3. ____is a process that involves the evaporation and condensation of volatile liquids. The more
volatile liquid in the mixture boils first, evaporates, then condenses.

4. ____is a method used to separate liquid and a heavy insoluble solid like soil by allowing the
solid to settle at the bottom of the container then the liquid above the solid is poured off carefully
into another container.

5. ____ is the process of separating the insoluble solid from the liquid substance by allowing the
liquid to pass through a porous material called filtering agent.
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Lesson
2
Common Isotopes and Their Uses

The study of atoms entails a lot of concepts such as their subatomic particles, atomic
structures, discoverer and properties. One fascinating area of study of atoms is the isotopes. Many
of us have heard this word already but have limited clear understanding what the concept is.
Isotopes are often related to nuclear energy which is being used in many industries. This is
because the nuclear energy usually comes from radioisotopes- a kind of isotopes that is radioactive.
Many of the food products in the market were subjected to radiation that comes from radioisotopes.
Only few people knew this because the industries are aware that people are sensitive to the use of
nuclear energy. This module will discuss the nature of isotopes as well as their kinds, examples and
uses.

PRE-TEST

Multiple Choice. Read and answer each statement carefully then write the letter of the best
answer on a separate sheet of paper.

1. Uranium-235 has 92 protons. How may neutrons does it have?

A. 143 C. 235
B. 92 D. 90

2. What are isotopes?

A. Atoms that have the same number of neutrons but have different numbers of protons.
B. Atoms that have the same number of electrons but have different
numbers of protons.
C. Atoms that have the same number of protons but have different numbers of neutrons.
D. Atoms that have the same number of neutrons and protons.

3. Uranium-238 has 92 protons. How many neutrons does it have?

A. 239 C. 92
B. 146 D. 330
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4. Why is deuterium H1 sometimes called heavy hydrogen?
A. It has extra nucleus C. It has extra electron
B. It has extra proton D. It has extra neutron

5. The beta particle has a charge of ___ .

A. -1 C. +1
B. -2 D. +4
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What’s In?

LET US HAVE SOME FUN!

Picture Analysis. Analyze the picture below then answer the following guide questions.

Guide Questions
1. What is the picture showing to us? Why did you say so?
2. Which instrument or device was used to capture the image? Why?
3. How is isotope related to the image?

What are Isotopes?

Isotopes
The word isotope was derived from Greek words isos and topos which means “the same
place”. Isotopes variants of an element are still found in the same location in the periodic table of
elements. This term was introduced by a British Chemist Frederick Soddy.

What is the Nature of Isotopes?

Isotopes are atoms of the same element that have the same number of protons but different
in the number of neutrons. For example, the most common oxygen isotope has 8 neutrons inside
the nucleus, but other isotopes have 9 or 10 neutrons.

Isotopes Subatomic Particles

Number of Proton = 8
Oxygen- 16
Number of Neutron = 8
Mas number = 16
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Number of Protons = 8
Oxygen-17
Number of Neutron = 9
Mass number = 17

Oxygen-18 Number of Protons = 8

Number of Neutrons = 10
Mass number = 18

Isotopes of Oxygen
To identify a specific isotope of an element, write the name of the element followed by a hyphen and
the mass number of the isotope. Isotopes of oxygen are presented below.

➢ Oxygen-16 for the isotope with mass number of 16

➢ Oxygen-17 for the isotope with mass number of 17

➢ Oxygen-18 for the isotope with mass number of 18

An oxygen atom with eight protons and eight neutrons and has a mass number of 16, its name
is Oxygen-16. Oxygen-17 has eight protons and nine neutrons and its mass number is 17. And lastly,
an oxygen atom with eight protons and ten neutrons and has a mass number of eighteen.

Due to the variations of the mass number of the isotopes like Oxygen-16, Oxygen-17 and
Oxygen-18, the relative atomic mass should be computed as indicated in the periodic table.

The atomic mass of oxygen indicated in the periodic table is 15.999. How is this figure obtained?

To calculate the atomic mass of an element, you have to multiply the mass number of each
isotope by its percentage abundance in decimal form. Then add these amounts together to find the
relative atomic mass.
For example, Chlorine-35 makes up 75.53 percent of all the chlorine in nature, and Chlorine-37
makes up the other 24.47 percent. The relative atomic mass of chlorine is calculated as follows:

Atomic Mass Percentage Relative Atomic

Isotope Mass number
Unit Abundance Mass

Chlorine-35 35 34.969 75.53% 35.45

37 36.966 24.47%
Chlorine-37
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PRACTICE EXERCISE: Problem Solving

Boron has two isotopes, Boron-10 and Boron-11, whose percentage abundances are 19.8% and
80.2% respectively. The atomic masses of Boron-10 and Boron-11 are 10.0129 amu and 11.0093
amu respectively. Write the symbols for the two isotopes of Boron and determine the relative atomic
mass.

Atomic Mass Percentage Relative Atomic

Isotope Mass number
Unit Abundance Mass

When we talk about the chemical properties of isotopes of a given element, they are almost
the same or identical. Different isotopes exhibit nearly identical chemical behaviors. However, when
it comes to physical properties of isotopes like the mass, melting point, density and freezing point
they are all different. Some isotopes of an element have unique properties because they are
unstable. An unstable atom is an atom whose nucleus can change its composition. This type of
isotope is called radioisotope. Radioisotopes are radioactive isotopes because they produce
radiation as they breakdown in the process.
Important Isotopes

Isotope Use/s
Sodium-24 Injected into limb to detect blood cloth

Cobalt-60 Detect and Treat Cancer/ use to kill bacteria

Iodine-131 Detect functions of Thyroid Gland
Phosphorous-32 Added to fertilizer to study plant processes
Nitrogen-15 Added to fertilizer to study plant processes
Cesium-137 Use to kill bacteria
Flourine-18 Use for diagnosis and treatment of diseases
Gallium-67 Use for diagnosis and treatment of diseases
Carbon-14 Carbon dating Process

MINI PERFORMANCE TASK

Activity 1 – Isotope Brochure
Procedure
1. Choose an isotope that you want to discuss and present it in a brochure format. Discuss the
history, applications in various fields like medicine, agriculture, industries and health, as well as the
adverse effects.
2. Prepare 1 long special cardboard paper, pen, cut-outs of the chosen isotopes and adhesive
material such as glue.
3. Fold the special cardboard paper into 3 then make a lay out of your isotope brochure.
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Output Presentation

Questions
1. In which field is the chosen isotope most useful?
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________

2. Is there any adverse effect in using the chosen isotope? How?

______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
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