Separating Mixtures

Separating mixtures

Scientists can use the differences in the physical properties of the different parts of a mixture to easily separate out the parts of the mixture.

• Iron can be removed when it is mixed with sand because iron is attracted to a magnet, but sand is not.

• Water can be removed from a salt solution because water can be boiled or evaporated away from the salt.

• Sand can be removed from rocks it is mixed with because the sand grains are small and can pass through a sieve that rocks cannot pass through.

• Oil can be removed from water it has mixed with because oil has a lower density than water, so oil floats on top of the water and can be carefully poured off.

• Oil can be removed from water it has mixed with because oil has a lower density than water, so oil floats on top of the water and can be carefully poured off.