Separation of mixture

1. The physical methods by which mixtures can be separated are

• Filtration
• Evaporation
• Crystallization
• Distillation
• Chromatography    

1. To separate mixture into its components from which it is made, we have to understand the differences in properties of its constituents.
2. Filtration: Insoluble solids in a solution can be separated by this method. The solids which are separated forms the residue  and the liquid is called the filtrate.
3. Evaporation: Soluble solids (dissolved solids) in a solution are separated by this method.
4. Crystallization: Soluble solids in the solution, which will decompose on heating are separated by this method.
5. Distillation: separates a solvent from a solution. The liquid which is condensed is called a distillate.
6. If more than one liquid component in a mixture of liquid needs to be separated, fractional distillation is used.
7. Chromatography is used to separate and identify the different components of dyes and inks. In paper chromatography the fact that some components of a liquid mixture ravel faster on the whatmann filter paper than other components is used.
8. Sieving is a method used to separate mixtures, when the particles in the mixture are of different sizes.
9. Winnowing is a method used to separate light and heavy solids.
10. Particulate matter in matter can be separated by a method named loading. A piece of alum is added to water. As the alum dissolves, it sticks to the fine particles, makes them heavier and settles down easily.
11. Decantation is a process where solid particles in a liquid are separated by allowing the liquid to stand undisturbed for sometime. After a while, the solid particles will settle down while the liquid on top can be poured off.