What are common methods for separating mixtures?

Common methods for separating mixtures include filtration, evaporation, distillation, chromatography, and centrifugation.

Filtration is a simple technique used to separate solid particles from a liquid or gas. It works by passing the mixture through a filter, which traps the solid particles while allowing the liquid or gas to pass through. This method is commonly used in everyday life, such as when making coffee or tea.

Evaporation is another method used to separate a solid dissolved in a liquid. By heating the mixture, the liquid evaporates, leaving the solid behind. This method is often used in the production of salt, where seawater is evaporated to leave behind the salt crystals.

Distillation is a technique used to separate liquids with different boiling points. The mixture is heated until the liquid with the lowest boiling point evaporates. The vapour is then condensed back into a liquid and collected separately. This method is commonly used in the production of alcoholic beverages and in the petroleum industry to separate crude oil into its various components.

Chromatography is a method used to separate and analyse complex mixtures. It works by passing the mixture through a medium (like a piece of paper or a column of liquid), where the different components move at different rates and are thus separated. This method is widely used in laboratories for the analysis of chemical, biological, and pharmaceutical samples.

Centrifugation is a technique used to separate mixtures of different densities. The mixture is placed in a centrifuge, which spins at high speed. The centrifugal force causes the denser particles to move towards the outside of the centrifuge, while the less dense particles remain in the centre. This method is commonly used in medical laboratories to separate blood into its various components.