Quarter 1 - Module 4:

Methods of Separating
Components of
Mixtures and
Compounds
• After going through this module, you are expected to:
• 1. describe various simple separation techniques such as distillation
and chromatography, (STEM_GC11MP1a-b-12).
•
 KWL Chart
Topic Know Want to know Learned
Methods of
Separating
Components of
Mixtures and
Compounds
Guide Questions
1. Based from what you have written on the Know component of the chart, what
do you know about methods of separating components of mixtures and compounds?

2. If you were to think of a question that you want to ask about methods of
separating components of mixtures and compounds, what question would that be?
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 in the

blank of the item.

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

2. ____ involves the used 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 point s 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 __
 What’s In?

LET US HAVE SOME FUN!

Situational Analysis. Analyze the scenario below then answer the

corresponding 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? How?
2. Which separating method could be used to separate water and salt from sea
water?
IMPORTANT VOCABULARY WORDS
Read the description of important terms that you will encounter in this
module.

VOCABULARY WORD MEANING

1. Component A part or element of a larger whole.

2. Separate Cause to move or be apart.

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 is method which is describe as procedure, process, way or
technique. Second is the separate which means to move, segregate or keep
apart. Third is 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 laboratory techniques and safety rules that must be
observed in performing those methods? Let us find out the different separating
methods.
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.
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.

Decantation Process
3. Mechanical Separation

This involves the use of forceps, sieves, magnet and other similar tools to
separate the components of mixtures. Sand and gravel are separated by passing the
mixture over a wire screen. In the mechanical separation, the involved substances
are mostly solids that can be separated manually. Below is an illustration of a sieve
that separate two solid which are the sand and the gravel. It may look like filtration,
but the device used in this process is not porous.

Mechanical Separation
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 the separating the components of blood which include
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.

Centifugation Process
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 difference in boiling points
of the components of a mixture. The more volatile liquid in the mixture boils first,
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
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