Question

Winnowing is the process used to separate particles of ____________.
A.heavier and lighter weight
B.only two heavier particles
C.only two lighter particles
D.None of the above

Answer 1

Hint:In our everyday life, we use a number of mixtures and the need for the separation of useful components from the mixture often arises. The separation of substances can be done through various methods like hand-picking, threshing, sieving, winnowing, etc. Winnowing is the method in which heavier weight components of the mixture are separated from the lighter substances with the help of wind.

Complete answer:
Winnowing is the method in which heavier particles of the mixture are separated from the lighter components with the help of wind. This method is used for separating grains from husk after the process of threshing. The method of winnowing is used to separate husk from various types of grains like wheat, rice, etc. The method of hand-picking is usually used to separate undesirable substances such as small pieces of stones from wheat, rice and pulses.
Threshing is the process to separate grain from the chaff. In this process, a mixture of wheat and husk is dropped from a height. After that, the husk is carried away by the wind and forms a heap at some distance away. The husk, as they are lighter, is carried away by the wind and it forms a different heap.
The heavier particle or wheat grains forms a separate heap as it falls downward vertically. The advantages of this method are that it doesn’t require any machines for its functioning. It is completely based on human activity and hence it takes less time to process and definitely very cheap.

Therefore, the correct answer is option (A).

Note:
We should also note that winnowing is a method in which heavier particles of the mixture are separated from the lighter substances with the help of wind but this process does not work for materials heavier than grains like stones.