Question

Name a chemical used for loading?

Answer 1

Hint: Loading can be defined as the process or term used in the techniques of sedimentation. Sedimentation is a kind of separation technique, which is used to separate the different components of the mixture on the basis of their molecular weight.

Complete answer:
As we know from above that the ‘Loading’ process is associated with the separation technique ‘Sedimentation’.
So, loading is the process used to speed up the process of sedimentation.
And the chemical used in the loading is ‘Potash Alum’.
Now let’s have a look at the way in which potash alum helps in the process of loading i.e. helps in the increase in the rate of sedimentation.
So, basically sedimentation is the process by which components of the mixture are separated on the basis of their mass or molecular weight. The heavy particles settle down at the bottom of the container when left undisturbed.
Sedimentation is a time consuming process and so to speed up the process we use the chemical like ‘potash alum’ for loading , these chemical particles attach or load themselves on the lighter particles and help them to sediment quickly at the bottom of the vessel and thus can be separated easily and quickly.

Note:
In the sedimentation process, the mixture when left undisturbed, the heavy particles settle down first at the bottom of the vessel and is known as ‘sediment’. While the particles that are not sedimented can be decanted off and can be separated easily, though the process is time consuming.