Activity 8: Separating Mixtures

1. Collect a mixture of the sand and iron filings. Using the materials that are available, separate the two components.

2. In a beaker mix some sand and water. Separate the mixture using the materials.

3. In a beaker make a solution of salt and water. Using a pipette transfer 2mL of the solution to a watch glass, and observe (may take 20 minutes).

4, Using three different coloured markers, draw 3 different lines (1cm long) at the bottom of some filter paper. Place the filter paper (with the marker lines down) into a beaker, containing about 0.5cm of water.

5. Answer the discussion questions.

Discussion Questions

1. How did you separate the mixture of sand and iron filings? Explain your reasoning.

2. How did you separate the mixture of sand and water? Explain.

3. What happened when the water evaporated? How is this method related to the natural environment?

4. Is the event that occurred in step 3, similar to the distillation method that the teacher demonstrated? Explain.

5. How many different pigments does each of your markers consist of?

6. Explain how you would go about separating a mixture of sand, iron filings, sugar, and pebbles.