Separating Solid/Liquid Mixtures:
Solute – the solid which dissolves in a solvent Solvent – the liquid that the solute dissolves in
Solution – formed when a solute dissolves into another solvent: solute + solvent à solution
Saturated solution – a solution which contains as much dissolved solute as it can at a particular temperature
Soluble – when the solute can dissolve in a solvent Insoluble – when the solute cannot dissolve in a solvent
Filtration – the process of separating a solid from liquid using a fine filter paper which does not allow the solid to pass through. The solid (residue) will stay in the filter and the liquid (filtrate) will be in the container under the filter.
Decanting – the process of separating a liquid from solid (which has settled) or an immiscible heavier liquid by pouring the solution into another container. The solid or the immiscible heavier liquid will stay at the bottom while the liquid will pour out.
Centrifuging – the separation of the components of a mixture by rapid spinning. The denser particles are flung to the bottom of the containing tubes. The liquid can then be decanted off.
Evaporation – the separation of a liquid and a dissolved solid by heating the solution. The liquid will evaporate completely leaving the solid behind.
Crystallisation – the process of forming crystals from a liquid. This occurs when a solution is
saturated the salt begins to crystallise and can be removed with large scoops.
Simple Distillation – the process of boiling a liquid and then condensing the vapour produced back into a liquid. It is used to purify liquids and to separate mixtures of liquids.