Separating Mixtures

Chemical reactions are the only way to separate compounds. Mixtures however can be separated by physical processes. These include: Filtration, Crystallisation, Distillation and Chromatography.

How different mixtures can be separated

Filtration

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Filtration is used for separating insoluble solids from liquids, e.g. sand and water.

Crystallisation

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Crystallisation is used to separate solids from solutions, e.g. obtaining salt from salty water.

Simple distillation

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Simple distillation is used to separate a liquid from a solution, e.g. water from salty water.

Fractional distillation

Fractional distillation is used to separate liquids that have different boiling points, e.g. ethanol and water.

Chromatography

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Chromatography used to separate dyes, e.g. the different components of ink.

The video below explains how mixtures can be separated.