Separation of Mixtures Using Physical Properties

Name______

Polluted Water Lab

Separation of Mixtures Using Physical Properties

Objective- to use physical properties to separate a polluted sample of water

Procedure:

1. Obtain a sample of the polluted water from your teacher and an additional 250 mL beaker.

2. Check the volume of the polluted water sample using a graduated cylinder, this reading should be to the tenths place. Check the entire sample not just the water part, presence of oil (estimate the amount in mL), presence of large particles (estimate the volume), color of sample and odor of sample.

3. Record the volume and all data collected in the row labeled Initial Water.

4. Oil separation step- carefully pour the mixture into a separatory funnel and allow it to settle. Turn the valve to allow the water to drain into a clean beaker, but prevent the oil from following. Pour waste oil in waste beaker labeled “Waste Oil” located in the hood.

5. Check the volume of the polluted water sample (the entire sample not just the water part), presence of oil (estimate the amount), presence of large particles (estimate the amount), color of sample and odor of sample.

6. Record the volume and all data collected in the row labeled Oil Separation.

7. Large particle separation- Slowly pour the mixture through the large particle filter into a clean beaker. The large particle filter consists of a cup filled with sand and limestone in layers with holes in the bottom. Don’t overflow the cup. You will have to wait a long time for all of the water to get through. Do not squeeze the filter in an attempt to speed up the process. This will only nullify the filtering process and possibly break the filter.

8. Check the volume of the polluted water sample using a clean graduated cylinder, presence of oil (estimate the amount), presence of large particles (estimate the amount), color of sample and odor of sample.

9. Record the volume and all data collected in the row labeled Large Particle.

10. Charcoal filtration- Add 10 g of activated charcoal. Seal the top of your beaker by stretching parafilm over it allow it to sit overnight.

11. Set up a ring stand and place a funnel in the ring. Stir the water sample for at least 5 minutes. Fold the filter paper into a cone to fit in the funnel. Slowly pour the mixture though the filter being careful to keep the water level below the filter into a clean beaker. *if the black water overflows the filter you will have to start over.

12. Check the volume of the now clean water using a clean graduated cylinder, presence of oil (estimate the amount), presence of large particles (estimate the amount), color of sample and odor of sample.

13. Record the volume and all data collected in the row labeled Charcoal Filtration.

14. Have your final water checked by your teacher before discarding it.

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14. Discard of water sample. Clean all beakers and graduated cylinders

Volume of sample / Presence of oil / Presence of large particles / Color of sample / Odor of sample
Initial Sample
Oil Separation
Large Particle
Charcoal Filtration

Questions

1. Calculate your percent yield (how much you have left) for each filtration step. Percentages are always- part/whole x 100. In this case the part will be the volume you have, and the whole will always be the initial volume of water (from the beginning).

1. What physical property did you use to separate the oil from the water? Explain.

1. What physical property does a filter use to separate the mixture? Explain