Question

You are posed with the problem of separating the following mixtures.How will you go about it. Assign a reason for the choices you make. a. Mercury and water. b. Fine tea leaves from a tea concoction. c. Pearls of the same size from a collection of different sized pearls.

Answer 1

Answer: a} decantation

               b}filtration

                c}sieving

Explanation: a}Mercury and water are separated by decantation by using separating funnel as the separation of two immiscible liquids by a separating funnel depends on the difference in their densities. Mercury is heavier than water therefore, forms the lower layer and separated from water.

b]As tea granules are smaller than the leaves, it can be separated by filtration such that the granules pass through, and leaves are left behind. Also, handpicking of the leaves may be used to separate them as well, under some conditions

c]by sieving. Jewellers also separate pearls of different sizes by this method.