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Students were given a mixture of sand and salt and they were asked to separate the mixture in the laboratory - Junior Cycle Science - Question b - 2018
Question b
Students were given a mixture of sand and salt and they were asked to separate the mixture in the laboratory. (i) First the mixture was added to hot water. What hap... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Students were given a mixture of sand and salt and they were asked to separate the mixture in the laboratory - Junior Cycle Science - Question b - 2018
Step 1
First the mixture was added to hot water. What happens to the salt at this stage?
Answer
When the mixture of sand and salt is added to hot water, the salt dissolves in the water. This process occurs because salt is soluble in water, meaning that its particles separate and spread throughout the liquid, creating a saltwater solution.
Step 2
The next stage of the experiment is to remove the sand from the mixture. What separation technique can be used to achieve this?
Answer
To remove the sand from the mixture, the separation technique of filtration can be used. In this process, the mixture is poured through a filter paper or a sieve. The sand, being insoluble, remains on the filter while the saltwater passes through.
Step 3
The final stage of the experiment is to get the salt on its own. What separation technique can be used to achieve this?
Answer
To obtain the salt on its own from the saltwater solution, the technique of evaporation or distillation can be employed. In evaporation, the water is allowed to evaporate, leaving the salt behind as a solid residue. Alternatively, distillation can be used to separate the two components based on their boiling points.