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8 Methods of purification
Separating a solid from a solution

A solution contains a solid dissolved in a solvent.

Dissolved solid = solute The liquid that dissolves the solid = solvent

Filtration
o An undissolved solid can be separated from a solution or liquid
by passing it through a piece of filter paper in a filter funnel. This is called filtration.

o The solution which passes through the filter paper is called the filtrate.

o The solid that stays on the filter paper is called the residue.

o The solid should be washed with distilled water

o to remove any solution between the solid particles.
o The solid is then dried in an oven.

Decanting and centrifugation

Decanting
o Decanting is simply pouring off the solution.

o It is suitable for solids that have very heavy particles.

× For example, to separate sand from water.

Centrifugation
A centrifuge is a machine which spins test tubes around and around at very high speeds.

You can then decant the liquid from the solid.

To get rid of any solution between the particles of solid, you can break up the solid,
wash the solid with water
and centrifuge again.

Crystallisation
Crystallisation is used to obtain a crystalline solid from a solution.

× The solution is gently heated in an evaporating basin

The solvent, usually water, is evaporated until the crystallisation point

× The concentrated solution is then left to cool.

× Crystals eventually form at the bottom of the evaporating basin.

These can then be filtered off and dried between pieces of filter paper.