Separation of a Mixture Lab
For a formatted version of the handout, see the links here:
Student Lab Sheet - Google Doc Version
An accessible version of the worksheet is also available below.
Name_____________________________ Pd ______________ Date____________________________
Separation of a Mixture Lab:
In this lab, we will be separating a mixture that contains salt, popcorn kernels, iron filings, and sand. By the end of this lab, all four components should be physically separate from the others. To do this, you may use the equipment that is available in the lab.
Directions:
Test each of the physical properties in the chart for each material that will be in your mixture. Be sure to use a small sample so that the samples will last for all of the classes.
Physical properties each component of your mixture:
Material | Size Range of particles | Magnetic or not magnetic? | Density: less than or greater than water? | Solubility? (Does it dissolve in water?) | At least one other observation |
Salt | |||||
Iron Filings | |||||
Popcorn Kernels | |||||
Sand |
List three other physical properties that we aren’t testing here.
Planning:
For each material, list the physical property that you will use to separate it from the mixture and explain how it will help you and what you will do.
Salt:
Iron Filings:
Popcorn Kernels:
Sand:
Procedure:
List the steps you will take in order to separate your mixture.
You must have your teacher initial your plan before obtaining your mixture and supplies.
Teacher Initials: ________________
List the materials you will need here; the first one is done for you.
Baggie with mixture:
10g salt
10g sand
15g popcorn kernels
5g iron
Recovery:
Once you have separated your mixture into its components, measure each of the recovered materials and calculate your percent recovery.
Material | Mass in mixture (crude material) | Mass of material recovered (pure product) | % Recovery (use formula below) | Observations about recovered material compared to original material | |
Salt | |||||
Sand | |||||
Popcorn Kernels | |||||
Sand | |||||
Post-Lab Questions:
Directions: Please use complete sentences to answer the following questions.
What part of the mixture was most difficult to separate? What part was easiest to separate? Explain.
Was the mixture you had a homogeneous or heterogeneous mixture? How could you tell?
Give a real world example of how/why separating mixtures is important. What physical properties and methods to people use to separate the mixture? Explain why separating this mixture is important.
Reflect on your experience in separating this mixture. How would you change your procedure next time? What advice would you give to students in another class before they start this lab activity?