Question

Describe how you would separate a mixture of charcoal, iron filings, salt, and water. What phases of matter are included in this mixture? (4 points)

Answer 1

This is heterogeneous mixture, the salt dissolves in water, charcoal and iron filings do not. There are three phases of matter (homogeneous solution od salt and water, iron and charcoal).

1) First separate iron filings by using the magnet, because iron is magnetic substance.

2) Then separate charcoal by filtration, passing the remaining mixture (water, salt, charcoal) through the filter paper.

3) Homogeneous solution of salt and water can be separated with heating (evaporating the water).