CHM01 General Chemistry 1

2nd Semester SY 2017-2018

Matter: Classification and Separation Techniques

Bunquin, Ray Matthew A.1, del Rosario, Miko Geanne2 , Edralin, Janine Dawn M. 2 , Mendigoria, Lester Joseph B.2 ,
Ocsan, John Kacer Aben2 , Quiniquito, Ron Loyd L.2
1
Teacher, Mapúa Senior High School Department, Mapúa University; 2Student (s), CHM01/G122, Mapúa Senior High School Department, Mapúa University

ABSTRACT

Matter can be classified as either a pure substance or a mixture. This experiment focuses on mixtures, which unlike pure
substances, can be separated by using chemical and physical means. The purpose of the study was to demonstrate and observe
different kinds of separation techniques which are used to separate mixtures and discover what these processes result to. We conducted
the following separation techniques: decantation, filtration and evaporation, distillation, adsorption and sublimation. After conducting
these, we discovered the difference of each method and when these should be used. There are several ways on how to separate
mixtures, one should know which of these processes to use for certain types of mixtures.

Keywords: mixture, separation techniques

INTRODUCTION

Matter is anything that occupies space and has The experimental apparatus used is listed below:
mass that can be classified as either a pure substance or a
mixture. A mixture, unlike pure substances, can be ****TABLE*****
separated by using physical and/or chemical means. The
choice of separation techniques is based on the type of
DECANTATION
mixture and difference in the chemical properties of the
constituents of a mixture. Various types of separation
techniques can be used in separating components of a We measured 100 mL of distilled water and placed it in a
mixture and these techniques are crystallization, filtration, 150-mL beaker. Then, we weighed 1.0 gram of sand and
sublimation, evaporation, distillation, chromatography, poured it into the beaker containing the water. We poured
centrifugation, separating funnel, magnetic separation and the liquid part into another 150-mL beaker after waiting for
precipitation. The purpose of the experiment is to the particles of the sand to settle, the supernatant liquid
demonstrate some of the processes on how to separate the was the set aside. The steps were repeated, however,
components of a mixture which are decantation, filtration, powdered chalk was used instead of sand. The two
evaporation, distillation, adsorption and sublimation and
supernatant liquid were observed and the clarity of the two
when to apply these. Based from our sources, we
hypothesized that various techniques are used in were compared.
separating certain mixtures; there is a specific technique
that should be used in order to separate the components of FILTRATION AND EVAPORATION
a specific mixture.
1.0 gram of sodium chloride and powdered chalk with the
MATERIALS AND METHODS same amount were mixed in a 150-mL beaker. We then
added 25mL of distilled water to the mixture and stirred it
The experiment was conducted last January 18, for a minute. The mixture was filtered (figure 2.1) by using
2018 with the assistance of our instructor and by following filter paper. After doing these, we examined the color of the
the instructions stated on the lab manual. Data was filtrate. The filtrate was transferred onto an evaporating dish
analyzed after the processes were conducted by observing and evaporated it until it dried out (figure 2.2). The color of
each and taking note of the important details. the residue was noted.

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 CHM01 General Chemistry 1
2nd Semester SY 2017-2018

DISTILLATION supernatant liquid of the 1.0 gram of sand was more

unblemished than the supernatant liquid of powdered chalk,
50 mL of distilled water was placed in 150-mL beaker, 1.0 this is because the powder mixed well with the water while
gram of blue dye was added; we stirred the mixture and the sand was denser and settled down at the bottom of the
noted the color of the solution. The solution was poured into container.
the distilling flask and heated it until it boiled. The solution
was boiled until about 10 mL of the distillate has been Filtration. While the mixture—1.0 gram of sodium chloride
collected, a 150-mL beaker was used as the container of and 1.0 gram of powdered chalk—fully subsided, the color
the distillate. Then the color of the distillate was noted. The of the mixture is seen on (see Table--). The color of the
previous steps were repeated but this time using 1mL of residue was also noted when the filtrate was transferred
ammonium hydroxide in place of the blue dye. After that, into an evaporating dish (see Figure--) and after we let the
three drops of phenolphthalein was added to the mixture, filtrate evaporate until it dried.
the color was then noted.
Distillation. The separation of components of a solution by
ADSORPTION virtue of their instability differences. Glass beads were
added in the distilling flask to even the boiling of liquid of
40 mL of distilled water was placed in a 150-mL beaker. 4 the two (2) solutions observed by the students. The color of
grams of brown sugar was added, the mixture was stirred the solutions was noted before and after distilling both
until the sugar was dissolved. Powdered charcoal with the solutions were ----- and ----- respectively. It was observed
amount of 2 grams was added and the mixture was stirred that with distillation, the mixture of blue dye and water may
again. The mixture was heated until it boiled, continuous be used to remove the blue dye from the mixture. After the
stirring and boiling was done for 5 minutes. The mixture second distillate was done, the color produced after adding
was filtered after it cooled down and the color of the filtrate three (3) drops of phenolphthalein (indicator in which
was observed. solutions turn colorless in acid solution, but turns pink to red
as the solution becomes alkaline.) was magenta or hot pink
SUBLIMATION (see Figure--), this proves that distillation can be used to
remove ammonium hydroxide (NH4OH) from the mixture.
350 mL of tap water was boiled in a 400-mL beaker. In a
150-mL beaker, 2.0 grams of powdered naphthalene and Adsorption. Charcoal as adsorbing medium was tested. It
0.5 grams of blue dye was mixed. Another 400-mL beaker was said that charcoal is indeed a good adsorbing medium
was filled with ice. The beaker containing the mixture of for it has a huge surface area, which results to a good
naphthalene and blue dye was placed on a water trough.
adsorbent. Observations of the colors of the mixture (sugar
The beaker containing the ice was placed on top of the
beaker with the mixture. Boiling water was poured on the and water) and filtrate was that it turned goldish brown.
water trough and after 5 minutes, the bottom of the beaker
containing the ice was observed. Sublimation. A layer of naphthalene crystals formed at the
bottom of the top most beaker. The transition from the solid
RESULTS to gaseous state and required an intermediate liquid state
was shown in Figure--.
Different kinds of techniques were used to classify and
DISCUSSION
distinct the components of a mixture for this lab show that
each separation technique has its own specialty and way to The purpose of the experiment was to be able to
disperse states of matter to another. demonstrate some of the separation techniques for
mixtures and to observe these. By doing the experiment,
Decantation. Two components both at 1.0 gram (sand and we were able to observe these processes first hand and
powdered chalk) were compared on which of the two was able to witness what exactly happens by doing these.
supernatant liquid was clearer. It was observed that the These processes were previously conducted in different

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 CHM01 General Chemistry 1
2nd Semester SY 2017-2018

laboratories, by doing this experiment on our own, we  Tables are referred to as tables, and all other items (graphs,
proved that these techniques are effective and we were photographs, drawings, diagrams, maps, etc.) are referred to
as figures.
able to compare the results of using these processes for
different types of mixtures.
 Numbering: All tables and figures must be numbered. Tables
and figures are assigned numbers in the order they are
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS mentioned in the text. Tables and figures are numbered
independently of each other (i.e., Table 1 and 2, and then
Figure 1 and 2 as well).
Objectives for this laboratory experiment were to
 All tables and figures must have self-explanatory titles so that
classify separation techniques of matter and when a the reader can understand their content without the text. e.g.,
specific technique is to be applied, this shows how different
methods of separation (decantation, filtration, evaporation, Table 1. Percent of soybean plants exhibiting visible injury
distillation, adsorption, and sublimation) work better and after exposure to acid precipitation.
has its own forte for certain types of solutions. Numerous  Labeling: Tables are usually labeled at the top and figures at
the bottom.
techniques are used and developed to separate the
 Each table or figure MUST be introduced within the text, with
components of mixtures. Using these methods, it is a comment that should point out the highlight(s) or significant
probable to separate a solution into its original components. trend(s), not every piece of data that is shown. e.g.,
The experiments conducted were used to partially and fully
separate components by chemical and physical means. Do not write:
The experiment achieved the given objectives because as The plant was 4.0 cm on day 1, 4.2 cm on day 3, and 5.0 cm
on day 4.
we conducted the different kinds of separation techniques,
we observed the difference of each and learned which of Simply state:
the techniques work best on different kinds of solutions. The plant increased in height over a 4-day period (Figure 1).
 Tables and figures may be placed within the text as soon as
REFERENCES possible after they are mentioned without interrupting the text
(i.e., at the end of a paragraph or section). Avoid referring to
the table below because you don't know exactly what the final
http://amrita.olabs.edu.in/?sub=73&brch=2&sim=96&cnt=1 placement of the table will be. Refer to the specific table or
figure number, and the readers will always be able to find the
information. The tables and figures should enhance the
lab manual report, but the reader should be able to understand and follow
the results even if the tables/figures were removed.
Miscellaneous Guidelines
General Tips about the Formal Lab Report
Tables and Figures
Lab reports are the foundation of scientific research. They allow scientists to share
information and lead to new discoveries. Consider your lab report to be a part of
Tables should have titles and sufficient experimental detail in a legend
this body of knowledge and write it effectively. Following are some general tips. A
immediately following the title to be understandable without reference to formal lab report may take several hours to write properly, so plan ahead. The
the text. Each column in a table must have a heading, and abbreviations, more depth and thought you put into the report, especially the discussion, the
when necessary, should be defined in the legend. better it will help you to understand the course material and improve your grade.
Do not copy from groupmates. This is a form of
Figures should have titles and explanatory legends containing sufficient academic misconduct that is easily detected and is
detail to make the figure easily understood. All legends should be printed
consecutively in a separate section of the manuscript. Authors are subject to severe penalties. Always check with your instructor for
responsible for providing digital art that has been properly sized and detailed instructions about the format.
cropped. Appropriately sized numbers, letters, and symbols should be
used so they are no smaller than 2 mm in size after reduction to a single
column width (20 picas, 8.7 cm, 3.25 inches), a 1.5-column width (29
picas, 12.0 cm, 4.75 inches), or a full 2-column width (42 picas, 17.8 cm,
7 inches). Superscript and subscript characters are not excluded from
this rule. Numbers, letters, and symbols used in multi-paneled figures
must be consistent. The abscissa and ordinate should be clearly labeled
with appropriately sized type, and units of measurement must be given.

Tables and figures are often used in a report to present complicated

data. Use the following guidelines to incorporate them effectively.

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