Question

Describe how the process of filtration could be used to separate a mixture into its components. Give an example.

Short answer

Filtration is a physical process used to separate solid particles from a liquid or gas by passing the mixture through a porous medium, like a filter paper or mesh screen, which traps the solid particles and allows the liquid or gas to pass through. An example of filtration is separating a mixture of sand and water. By setting up a filtration apparatus and pouring the mixture onto the filter paper, the water will pass through while the sand remains trapped on the filter paper, effectively separating the components.

Step-by-step solution

Introduction to Filtration

Filtration is a physical process that separates solid particles from a liquid or gas by passing the mixture through a porous medium, which only allows the liquid or gas to pass through while trapping the solid particles. This method is commonly used to separate heterogeneous mixtures, where the particles can easily be distinguished from one another.

Choosing the Filtration Apparatus

The first step in the filtration process is to choose a suitable filtration apparatus based on the size of the solid particles in the mixture and the desired volume of the separated components. A basic filtration apparatus consists of a filter, often made of paper or a mesh screen, and a container to collect the filtrate (the liquid or gas that passes through the filter).

Preparing the Filtration Apparatus

Place the filter in the funnel and dampen it with an appropriate solvent to help the filtrate flow more smoothly through the filter and prevent the solid particles from passing through the filter. Set up the container to collect the filtrate below the funnel.

Adding the Mixture

Slowly pour the mixture onto the filter, ensuring that the flow rate is controlled and the filter does not become overloaded with solid particles. It may be necessary to pour the mixture in small portions to avoid overloading the filter.

Collecting the Components

As the liquid or gas passes through the filter, it is collected in the container below the funnel, while the solid particles are trapped on the filter. After all the liquid or gas has passed through the filter, the solid particles will remain on the filter, effectively separating the components of the mixture.

Example: Filtration of a Mixture of Sand and Water

Let's consider a practical example where a mixture of sand and water needs to be separated. In this case, the filtration process can be used since the solid particles (sand) can be trapped on the filter while the liquid (water) can pass through. 1. Set up the filtration apparatus: Place a filter paper in a funnel and wet it with water. Place a container under the funnel to collect the filtrate. 2. Pour the sand-water mixture: Slowly pour the sand-water mixture onto the filter paper, ensuring a controlled flow rate and not overloading the filter. 3. Collect the components: The water will pass through the filter paper and be collected in the container below the funnel, while the sand will be trapped on the filter paper. 4. Separate the sand: Once the filtration process is complete, the sand can be carefully removed from the filter paper, and the two components of the mixture are successfully separated.