Separation methods experiment

In this experiment/project we will be observing the time difference between different mixtures. (

What mixture takes longer to separate?). Later on, we will be analysing the results and making a
conclusion.

The connection between the unit (atoms) and this project (separation methods), is that if atoms are
more compact the porosity is lower, and it is easier to separate with whichever separation method (for
example: filtration).

Hypothesis:

If I change the mixture then the time each mixture takes to separate will be different, because different
things are harder or easier to separate because of its porosity (If the porosity is lower it is going to be
easier to separate and vice versa).

Variables:

Independent variable: The independent variable would be the different mixture. (I will be manipulating
this by doing the test on three different mixtures).

Dependent variable: The dependent variable would be the time each mixture takes to be fully
separated. (I will be measuring the dependent variable by using a stopwatch).

Constant variables:

-The mixtures can only be done what is in the procedure (one cannot be shaken unnecessarily, etc…)

-There can be no substances that are not supposed to be there

-The paper/paper towel has to be the same type of paper/paper towel between each mixture (One
cannot be thicker nor thinner).

Materials: (The materials needed for filtration)

Tea
Popcorn kernals
Oats
Paper towel
Cups (3)
Water
Rubber bands (3)
Stopwatch

Procedure:

1. Get a piece of paper/paper towel and lay it over the cup, and secure it around the cup with a
rubber band. (Make sure to leave a little bit of space at the top to put the mixture in).
2. Pour in the mixture (When you pour in the mixture be sure to have a stopwatch on hand to start
counting how long it takes).
 3. Wait until the water is at the bottom of the cup (When the water is at the bottom ist means that
is fully separate so you can stop the stopwatch).
4. Repeat this with all of the mixtures

Safety measures: (Only very basic safety measures have to be taken)

 Keep the cups of water away from electronics.

 Keep the popcorn kernels away from pets and small children.

Results: (The results are measured in seconds)

Table:

Mixture (x + water) Round 1 Round 2 Round 3 AVG

Popcorn kernels 5 4 6 5
Tea 12 13 12 12
Oats 17 20 18 18

Graph:

Discussion and conclusion:

The hypothesis was correct, what had the highest porosity took the longest time (oats) and what had
the lowest porosity (popcorn kernels) took the least amount of time.

In conclusion the main factor is the porosity of the mixture/the substances in the mixture. But
nevertheless there can also be a more obvious factor like size and amount that can overrule sometimes
porosity, so even though two substances have the same porosity, if there is more of the substance, that
substance is going to take longer to sperate.

Strengths and weaknesses

Weakness:

 Limitation of tools (To do this experiment properly we would need better tools).
 Reliability of the results (Even though I have done the experiment three times, there could
always be more reliable results).

Strength:

 The reliability of the information (The information comes from a reliable external source).