Kevin

After learning about different techniques that we can use to separate mixtures into their components, it is necessary to understand how to determine whether the components or a substance we are interested in are pure or impure. The best way to do this is by analyzing one or more of its properties. These properties include … Read more

Generally, separation by centrifugation is applied in separating mixtures based on differences in density. The process involves spinning a mixture at high speeds in a centrifuge, a machine that rotates rapidly around a central axis. As the mixture spins, centrifugal force is applied, causing the components of the mixture to separate. The denser components move … Read more

Magnetic separation is used to separate solid mixtures containing magnetic and non-magnetic components. The separation technique relies on the magnetic properties of certain materials, which allows them to be attracted to magnets. In a magnetic separation process, a mixture containing magnetic and non-magnetic materials is brought closer to a magnetic or a magnetic field. The … Read more

Chromatography is another separation method that can be used to separate two or more solid components of a solution based on their different rates of movement over an absorbent material. It was originally used to separate colored pigments from plants hence the term chromatography, which is derived from the Greek word “chromos” meaning color. Today, … Read more

Sublimation is the direct transition of a solid into vapor on heating without passing through liquid state. This occurs when the vapor pressure of the solid exceeds atmospheric pressure at a certain temperature. The opposite of sublimation i.e the transition from vapor directly to solid, is called Deposition. The solid formed when the vapor cools … Read more

Solvent extraction is a separation technique that is used to separate components of a mixture based on their solubility in different solvents. It is also referred to as liquid-liquid extraction. Here is how it works: the mixture is first dissolved in a solvent, and then another immiscible solvent is added. The desired compound selectively dissolves … Read more

After learning about distillation in the previous section, you might be wondering about its practical applications. Well, distillation plays a critical role in many industrial processes, particularly those involving the purification of substances, concentration of solutions, and extraction of valuable components from complex mixtures. Here are some of the areas where distillation is applied in … Read more