Separation of a Mixture Lab

Chemistry 11
Name: ________________________

Purpose:
The purpose of this lab is to separate a mixture into its components, recovering each
component separately.

Procedure:
You will be given a mixture consisting of the following substances: sand, copper
sulphate, benzoic acid, styrofoam and iron fillings.
You will have access to the following materials: filter paper, magnets, water, alcohol and
tweezers.
With your lab partner, devise a method to separate the mixture. You must individually
write down all the steps you will take, listing the reasoning behind each step. You must
show me all five separate components.
The following information about physical properties may or may not be useful to you in
devising your plan:

soluble in soluble in magnetic density colour

water alcohol (g/ml)
sand no no no 2.2 light brown
copper sulphate yes no no 2.3 blue
benzoic acid no yes no 1.3 white
styrofoam no no no 0.91 white
iron fillings no no yes 7.9 grey / black

List all steps and reasoning here: