Question

A mixture of oil and water is separated by____________?

Answer 1

Hint: A mixture is a combination of two or more substances (elements or compounds) which is done physically. There are two types of mixtures, they are homogeneous mixture and heterogeneous mixture.
A homogeneous mixture has a uniform composition of its components throughout its mass.
Example-sugar solution
A heterogeneous mixture does not have a uniform composition throughout its mass and has a visible boundary of separation between the components.
Example-mixture of sand and water.

Complete answer:
The two liquids in the heterogeneous mixture are known as immiscible liquids. They do not dissolve completely into each other. These liquids can be separated on the basis of difference in their densities. The best example is the mixture of oil and water.
The simplest technique to separate the immiscible liquids based on the difference in their densities is by using a separating funnel. The process of separating the immiscible liquids using a separating funnel is called decantation.
Process- Separating funnels work on the principle that immiscible liquids separate into different layers based on their densities. The mixture of two liquids is poured into a separating funnel and left for some time. The liquids separate out into two layers based on their densities forming a meniscus at the point of contact. The higher density liquid tends to settle at the bottom and the lower density liquid floats above. So, if we take oil and water, the oil floats above the water. Then the tap of the funnel is let open and the higher density liquid that is water is collected in the separate container.
Hence the mixture of oil and water can be separated through a decantation process that is by using a separating funnel.

Note:
The other various types of separation process are:
-Crystallization
-Filtration
-Sublimation
-Evaporation
-Simple distillation
-Fractional distillation
-Chromatography
-Centrifugation
-Magnetic separation.