Question

Explain the method of separation of solid-liquid mixtures.

Answer 1

Hint: The mixture containing a solid component and a liquid component can be separated by various methods as the state and properties of the two components are very different from each other.

Complete answer:
The methods for the separation of the solid-liquid mixture are shown below.
Separation by Filtration: As the solid component present in the mixture is not soluble in the liquid, it can be separated with the help of a filter paper and the process is called filtration.
The mixture is poured in the filter paper attached to the funnel below which the beaker is attached, the liquid passes through the filter paper and gets collected to the beaker but solid remains in the filter paper.
Example: A mixture of chalk and water is separated by the method of filtration.
Separation by centrifugation: Centrifugation is a method used for separating suspended particles present in the liquid with the help of a centrifuge where the mixture is rotated at a very high speed.
Example: Clay particle suspended in water.
Separation by evaporation: Evaporation is the most common method used to separate a solid component from the liquid. In this process the mixture is heated strongly, the liquid boils at low temperature and starts to form vapor whereas solid remains in the beaker.
Example: Common salt dissolved in water.

Note: The alternative method for separating the solid-liquid mixture is distillation. In this process the mixture is heated, the liquid starts to evaporate, and then it is cooled to get back the liquid again. The liquid (distillate) is collected in a separate beaker and the solid remains in the distillation flask.