Separation of substances (G6)

Handout

I. Short answer questions.

1. What are the conditions required for separating substances by handpicking?

Handpicking is done when the impurities differ in shape or colour, and the quantities of the
impurity and the mixture are not large.

2. Name three way of threshing.

Threshing is usually done in three ways: manually, by animals or by machines.

3. Explain the process of winnowing

The process of separating the lighter particles from the heavier ones with the help of wind is
called winnowing.

4. In which cases can we apply the method of sieving for separating substances?

Sieving is commonly used at homes to separate wheat bran from flour.

5. When do we use the method of magnetic separation?

A mixture whose one of the components is magnetic in nature can be separated using a
magnet.

II. Distinguish between the following.

1. Sedimentation and decantation

Sedimentation Decantation
The process by which the heavy insoluble The process of pouring the liquid to separate
particles of a solid settle down in a liquid is the supernatant from the sediment is called
called sedimentation. decantation.

2. Evaporation and condensation

Evaporation condensation
It occurs at the surface of a liquid. The process of converting a gas into liquid is
called condensation.
The salt is prepared by evaporation. It is used to separate liquid.
3. Sieving and filtration

Sieving
The method of separating particles of
different sizes using a sieve is called sieving.
A sieve with holes of the desired size is used.
Filtration
Filtration is the method used for separating
fine insoluble solid particles from the liquid
using a filtering device.
Choosing an appropriate filter depends on the
size of the particle that needs to be separated.

C. Long answer questions.

1. Why is separation of mixtures required?

 To remove impurities or harmful components.

 To use the separated nuts for different purposes.
 To remove unusable components, which might not be harmful
 To obtain various useful products such as kerosene, diesel, petroleum jelly, etc.,

2. What do you understand by sedimentation and decantation? How are they different
from filtration?

The process by which the heavy insoluble particles of a solid settle down in a liquid is called
sedimentation. These heavy, insoluble particles, which settle at the bottom, are called
sediments. The liquid above the sediments is called the supernatant.

The process of pouring the liquid to separate the supernatant from the sediment is called
decantation. Decantation is used after sedimentation.

In several cases, decantation may not completely separate the sediment from the supernatant.
For example, decantation would not allow the complete separation of the tea leaves form tea.
In such a case, a strainer is used to separate all the tea leaves from tea. Filtration is the
method used for separating fine insoluble solid particles from the liquid using a filtering
device.

3. Explain evaporation and condensation. In which cases should we perform them

simultaneously?

Evaporation is a slow process that occurs at the surface of a liquid at any temperature. Salt is
obtained from the sea water by this method.

The process of converting a gas into a liquid is called condensation. As observed in

evaporation, we are able to obtain the soluble solid, while water evaporates by forming
vapour. Now, to also obtain and collect water in the above process, condensation must be
carried out simultaneously. During condensation, the vapour is allowed to cool by hitting a
cold surface. This converts the vapour into liquid, which can be collected.

Evaporation and condensation are used together for separating a soluble solid from a liquid.
4. What do you understand by the term solution? How can we make a saturated
solution?

The substance that gets dissolved in the liquid is called the solute. The substance in which the
solute dissolves is called the solvent. A mixture thus formed is called a solution, which is
homogeneous in nature. A homogenous mixture formed by dissolved a solute in a solvent is
called a solution.

We can write this as a word equation:

Solute + solvent =solution

While preparing the sugar solution, if the quantity of water is fixed and sugar is gradually
added, sugar continues to dissolve until no further sugar can be dissolved. This shows that
water has enough of sugar and it cannot dissolve any more sugar. A solution in which no
more solute can be added is called a saturated solution.