What are common methods for separating mixtures in the lab?

Common methods for separating mixtures in the lab include filtration, evaporation, distillation, chromatography, and crystallisation.

Filtration is a simple technique used to separate solid particles from a liquid or gas. This method is often used when the solid particles are much larger than the liquid or gas molecules. A filter paper with tiny holes is used, which allows the liquid or gas to pass through but traps the solid particles.

Evaporation is another method used to separate a solid dissolved in a liquid. This is done by heating the mixture until the liquid evaporates, leaving the solid behind. This method is often used to separate salt from water. However, it's not suitable if you want to keep the liquid, as it will have evaporated.

Distillation is a technique used to separate a liquid from a mixture based on differences in their boiling points. The mixture is heated until the substance with the lower boiling point evaporates. The vapour is then cooled and condensed back into a liquid in a separate container. This method is commonly used to purify water.

Chromatography is a method used to separate and identify different substances in a mixture. It works on the principle that different substances move at different rates on a special paper when a solvent is passed over them. This method is often used in forensic science to identify different substances in a sample.

Crystallisation is a method used to separate a solid that has been dissolved in a liquid and then recrystallised. The solution is heated and then allowed to cool. As it cools, the solid begins to form crystals, which can then be removed. This method is often used in the production of table salt.

Each of these methods has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of method will depend on the specific properties of the substances in the mixture.