Question

Ethanol and pentane are miscible liquids.Explain how water can be used to separate a mixture of ethanol and pentane?

Answer 1

Water can be used to separate a mixture of ethanol and pentane because ethanol dissolves in water while pentane does not.

Detailed Explanation:

• The liquids which mix with each other in their mixture are called miscible liquids.
• Since ethanol and pentane are miscible liquids, they are well mixed with each other in their solution. So, they cannot be separated simply.

• When water is added to the solution, ethanol dissolves in water because water and ethanol are miscible liquids. Pentane does not dissolve in water. So, there are two layers when water is added to the mixture of ethanol and pentane. One layer contains water and ethanol and one layer of pentane. So, water can be used to separate ethanol and pentane in their mixture.  

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