Question

You are provided with a mixture of petroleum and water. Can
you suggest a method to separate the two?


NCERT Class VIII
Science - Exemplar Problems

Chapter 5. Coal and Petroleum

Answer 1

The can be separated by the process of fractional distillation.

Answer 2

'Decantation' is the method which is used to separate the mixture of 'water' and 'petroleum'.

EXPLANATION:

Decantation is a process which helps to separate two immiscible liquids of different densities.

When water and petroleum are mixed, they do not mix with each other or are immiscible. So decantation can be used and the mixture is allowed to stand. Petroleum is lighter when compared to water, will float above water.

This light layer of 'petroleum' is poured easily which is separated without making any disturbances to heavier layer of 'water'.