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KS3 Science · Year 7Chapter 8 · Mixtures and separating
Year 7 · Chapter 8

Mixtures and separating

By the end of this chapter you will be able to

  • Say what a mixture is, and what a pure substance is
  • Name the solvent, solute and solution in a salt solution
  • Choose a method to separate a mixture, and explain why it works
  • Describe distillation and why it gives pure water
  • Use Rf = distance moved by the spot / distance moved by the solvent front

You should already know

  • Compounds and elements, and the difference between them (Chapter 7 of this book)
  • Solids dissolving in water, from primary school science

Where this leads

  • Chemical reactions, which make new substances (Chapter 9)

National Curriculum for England, Key Stage 3 science, Year 7. Content: C6 mixtures of elements and/or compounds are not chemically bonded, and each substance keeps its own properties, C6 pure and impure substances; separating mixtures by filtration, evaporation, distillation, chromatography and magnetism.

Exercise P  Do you remember?

1
FWhat do we call a substance that dissolves in another substance? Write the word.
2
FWhich method is used to remove a solid from a liquid using paper? Write the word.
3
FWhat is a compound? Write the words.
4
FWhat is 8 divided by 4? Write the number.
5
FWhich metal is attracted to a magnet? Write the word.
8.1

Mixtures and pure substances

Year 7
C6: a mixture contains substances that are not chemically bonded, and each keeps its own properties
Video lesson: Mixtures and pure substancesComing soon
Story. Ali makes a drink by stirring sugar into water. “Is it a new substance?” he asks. His teacher says, “No. It is a mixture. The sugar is not bonded to the water, so each one still has its own properties.”

A mixture is two or more substances that are not chemically bonded together. Each substance keeps its own properties, and the amounts can vary.

A pure substance contains only one substance. In chemistry, pure means only one substance, with nothing else mixed in. Pure water melts at 0 degrees Celsius and boils at 100 degrees Celsius; an impure sample does not have these exact temperatures.

When a solid dissolves in a liquid, the liquid is the solvent, the solid is the solute, and the mixture is a solution.

The table gives the meanings of the three words.

TermMeaning
solventthe liquid that dissolves the solute, such as water
solutethe substance that dissolves, such as salt
solutionthe mixture formed when a solute dissolves in a solvent

Key ideas

  • A mixture is not chemically bonded, and each substance keeps its properties.
  • A pure substance contains only one substance.
  • In salt water, the solvent is water, the solute is salt, and the solution is salt water.
  • A compound is not a mixture, because its elements are bonded.
Worked example 8.1.1
In salt water, which substance is the solvent? Write the word.

Method. Use the definition.

  1. Read the definition. The solvent is the liquid that dissolves the solute.
    liquid
  2. Decide. In salt water the liquid is water, so the solvent is water.
    water
  3. Write the answer.
    water

Check. Salt is the solute. ✓

Worked example 8.1.2
Is sugar stirred into water a mixture or a compound? Write the word.

Method. Check the bonding.

  1. Check the bonds. The sugar is not chemically bonded to the water.
    not bonded
  2. Decide. So the sugar and water form a mixture.
    mixture
  3. Write the answer.
    mixture

Check. A compound has bonded elements. ✓

Worked example 8.1.3
Is pure water a pure substance? Write yes or no.

Method. Use the definition.

  1. Check. Pure water contains only water, with nothing else mixed in.
    only water
  2. Decide. So pure water is a pure substance, and the answer is yes.
    yes
  3. Write the answer.
    yes

Check. It has only one substance. ✓

Watch out

Watch out: a mixture is not a compound. The substances in a mixture are not chemically bonded, and their amounts can vary.

Exam tip

Exam tip. In a question about a mixture, name the solvent and the solute if a solid dissolves in a liquid.

Try it (with your teacher, or a grown-up at home). With a grown-up, stir a spoonful of sugar into a glass of water. Taste nothing. Look at it, and say whether it is a mixture or a compound, and why. Then say which is the solvent and which is the solute.

Exercise 8A  Mixtures and pure substances

1
FWhat is a mixture? Write one sentence.
2
FIn salt water, which substance is the solute? Write the word.
3
FWhat is the mixture formed when a solute dissolves in a solvent called? Write the word.
4
FIs salt water a mixture? Write yes or no.
5
FIs water a pure substance? Write yes or no.
6
FIs salt water a pure substance? Write yes or no.
7
FIn a solution, which substance is the solvent in sugar water? Write the word.
8
FDoes a mixture have a fixed ratio of the substances in it? Write yes or no.
9
PSPure water melts at 0 degrees Celsius. What does an impure sample do? Write one word: stay the same, or change.
10
PSBen says sugar and water form a compound, because sugar dissolves. Is Ben right? Write yes or no.
11
PSWorking scientifically: a pupil says a mixture of salt and water is a pure substance because it is clear. Is the pupil right? Write yes or no.
12
RExplain why a mixture of sand and water keeps the properties of each substance. Write one sentence.
13
RChallenge: explain why the boiling point of salt water is not the same as the boiling point of pure water. Write one sentence.
8.2

Filtration and evaporation

Year 7
C6: separate a mixture of an insoluble solid and a liquid by filtration, and a dissolved solid from a solution by evaporation
Video lesson: Filtration and evaporationComing soon
Story. Priya has a jar of muddy water with sand in it. “How can I get the sand out and keep the water?” she asks. Her teacher says, “Use filtration. The sand is an insoluble solid, so the filter paper will catch it.”

Filtration separates an insoluble solid from a liquid. The mixture is poured through filter paper in a funnel. The solid that is left on the paper is the residue. The liquid that passes through is the filtrate.

Evaporation separates a soluble solid from its solution. The solution is heated gently, the solvent evaporates, and the solid is left behind as crystals. Pupils do not heat solutions; this is done by a teacher.

sand (residue)filtrate: waterfiltration: a funnel and filter paper
Filtration: sand stays on the filter paper, and the water passes into the beaker.
salt water~~~water vapour escapessalt crystals are left in the dish
Evaporation: the water evaporates, and the salt is left behind in the dish.

Key ideas

  • Filtration separates an insoluble solid from a liquid.
  • The residue stays on the filter paper; the filtrate passes through.
  • Evaporation separates a dissolved solid from its solvent.
  • Evaporation loses the solvent, so it is not used if the liquid is needed.
Worked example 8.2.1
Which method separates sand from water? Write the word.

Method. Check whether the solid dissolves.

  1. Check. Sand does not dissolve in water; it is insoluble.
    insoluble
  2. Decide. So filtration is the method.
    filtration
  3. Write the answer.
    filtration

Check. The sand is caught on the filter paper. ✓

Worked example 8.2.2
In filtration, what is the name of the liquid that passes through the filter paper? Write the word.

Method. Recall the name.

  1. Recall. The liquid that passes through the filter paper is the filtrate.
    filtrate
  2. Check the other name. The solid left on the paper is the residue, so the liquid is not the residue.
    not the residue
  3. Write the answer.
    filtrate

Check. The solid left on the paper is the residue. ✓

Worked example 8.2.3
Salt is dissolved in water. Which method gets the salt back as solid crystals? Write the word.

Method. Check the method.

  1. Check the solid. Salt is soluble, so filtration cannot catch it.
    soluble
  2. Decide. Evaporation leaves the dissolved salt as crystals.
    evaporation
  3. Write the answer.
    evaporation

Check. The water is lost as vapour. ✓

Watch out

Watch out: filtration does not separate a dissolved solid. The salt passes through the filter paper with the water.

Exam tip

Exam tip. For a separation question, first ask: is the solid soluble or insoluble? That decides between filtration and evaporation.

Try it (with your teacher, or a grown-up at home). With a grown-up, pour a little sand and water through a coffee filter in a funnel over a jug. Look at the residue and the filtrate. Say which is the residue and which is the filtrate. Do not heat the filtrate.

Exercise 8B  Filtration and evaporation

1
FWhat is the name of the solid left on the filter paper? Write the word.
2
FWhat is the name of the liquid that goes through the filter paper? Write the word.
3
FWhich method separates an insoluble solid from a liquid? Write the word.
4
FWhich method gets a dissolved solid back as crystals? Write the word.
5
FIs salt soluble in water? Write yes or no.
6
FIs sand insoluble in water? Write yes or no.
7
PSCan filtration separate salt from water? Write yes or no.
8
PSA pupil wants to keep the water as well as the salt. Which method keeps the water? Write the word: filtration or evaporation.
9
PSA mixture of sand and salt water is filtered, and the sand is left on the paper. What is the sand: residue or filtrate? Write the word.
10
PSWorking scientifically: a pupil says that filtration can separate a solution. Is the pupil right? Write yes or no.
11
RExplain why evaporation is used to get salt from salt water. Write one sentence.
12
RChallenge: explain why a fair comparison of filtration and evaporation must use the same mixture of sand and salt water. Write one sentence.
8.3

Distillation

Year 7
C6: separate a solvent from a solution by distillation, evaporating the solvent and condensing it in a separate container
Video lesson: DistillationComing soon
Story. The class has salt water, and wants pure water back. “Evaporation would leave the salt, but we lose the water,” says Sam. His teacher says, “Distillation keeps the water. The water is evaporated, then cooled and collected, and the salt stays in the flask.”

Distillation separates a solvent from a solution. The solution is heated, so the solvent evaporates. The vapour passes into a condenser, which is cooled, and it turns back into a liquid. This liquid is collected as the distillate.

In distillation of salt water, the distillate is pure water, and the salt is left in the flask.

salt watercondenserpure waterdistillation: evaporate, then condenseheat
Distillation: salt water is heated, the vapour is cooled in the condenser, and pure water is collected.

Key ideas

  • Distillation separates a solvent from a solution.
  • The solvent evaporates, then condenses in a cooled tube.
  • The liquid collected is the distillate.
  • The solute stays behind in the flask.
Worked example 8.3.1
In distillation of salt water, what is the distillate? Write the words.

Method. Recall the name.

  1. Recall. The liquid collected after condensing is the distillate.
    distillate
  2. Decide. In salt water the distillate is pure water.
    pure water
  3. Write the answer.
    pure water

Check. The salt stays in the flask. ✓

Worked example 8.3.2
What is the name of the part that cools the vapour? Write the word.

Method. Recall the apparatus.

  1. Recall. The cooled tube that turns vapour back into liquid is the condenser.
    condenser
  2. Decide. So the part is the condenser.
    condenser
  3. Write the answer.
    condenser

Check. The condenser makes the vapour condense. ✓

Worked example 8.3.3
Why is distillation used instead of evaporation to make pure water? Write one reason.

Method. Think about what is kept.

  1. Think. Evaporation loses the water to the air, but distillation collects it.
    collects it
  2. Decide. So distillation keeps the pure water.
    pure water
  3. Write the answer.
    Distillation collects the water, so it is kept.

Check. The water is kept and the salt is left. ✓

Watch out

Watch out: in distillation, the solvent is collected, not the solute. The solid stays behind in the flask.

Exam tip

Exam tip. In a distillation question, name the distillate (the liquid collected) and the residue (what is left in the flask).

Try it (with your teacher, or a grown-up at home). Distillation needs heating and a condenser, so it is done by a teacher. Watch the demonstration, then say what is collected and what stays in the flask. Do not attempt it yourself.

Exercise 8C  Distillation

1
FWhat is the name of the liquid collected in distillation? Write the word.
2
FWhat is the name of the part that cools the vapour? Write the word.
3
FWhat is left in the flask after distillation of salt water? Write the word.
4
FWhat substance does distillation of salt water collect? Write the words.
5
FWhich part of a distillation apparatus is the heated container? Write the word.
6
FIn distillation, does the solvent evaporate? Write yes or no.
7
FIn distillation, does the solute evaporate? Write yes or no.
8
PSWhich is collected in distillation: the solvent or the solute? Write the word.
9
PSA pupil says evaporation is better than distillation for getting pure water, because it is quicker. Is the pupil right? Write yes or no.
10
PSA class distils 100 cm cubed of salt water, and collects 60 cm cubed of pure water. How much water is left in the flask? Write the number.
11
PSWorking scientifically: name one thing a teacher would check before a distillation is carried out. Accept any one: the cooling water is running, the apparatus is secure, or the flask is not overfilled.
12
RExplain why distillation gives pure water from salt water. Write one sentence.
13
RChallenge: explain why distillation uses a condenser rather than just collecting the vapour as it leaves the flask. Write one sentence.
8.4

Chromatography

Year 7
C6: separate the dyes in a mixture by chromatography, using the distance each dye moves and the Rf value
Video lesson: ChromatographyComing soon
Story. Omar wonders why a black felt-tip pen makes a rainbow of colours on a paper towel. “Black ink is a mixture of dyes,” his teacher says. “As the water moves up the paper, each dye moves at its own rate, so the colours separate.”

Chromatography separates the substances in a mixture, such as dyes in ink. A small spot of the ink is placed on a line in pencil, called the baseline. The bottom of the paper is put in a solvent, such as water, and the solvent moves up the paper.

Each dye moves up the paper at a different rate, so the dyes separate into different spots. The Rf value compares how far a spot has moved with how far the solvent has moved:

Rf = distance moved by the spot / distance moved by the solvent front

baseline (pencil)solvent frontdye Adye Bdye Cdistance moved by a spot (cm)measured from the baseline
A chromatogram: three dye spots on a pencil baseline, and the solvent front 8 cm above it.

The table gives the distance moved by each dye spot, and the Rf value of each.

Dye spotDistance moved (cm)Solvent front (cm)Rf
dye A280.25
dye B680.75
dye C480.50

Key ideas

  • Chromatography separates the dyes in a mixture by how far each moves.
  • Rf = distance moved by the spot / distance moved by the solvent front.
  • The Rf value is always between 0 and 1.
  • A larger Rf means the dye moved further up the paper.
Worked example 8.4.1
A dye spot moves 2 cm, and the solvent front moves 8 cm. What is the Rf value? Write the number.

Method. Use Rf = distance moved by the spot / distance moved by the solvent front.

  1. Write the values. The spot moved 2 cm and the solvent front moved 8 cm.
    2 and 8
  2. Divide. Rf = 2 / 8.
    2 / 8 = 0.25
  3. Write the answer.
    0.25

Check. 0.25 x 8 = 2. ✓

Worked example 8.4.2
Which dye has the largest Rf value in the table? Write the name of the dye.

Method. Compare the Rf values.

  1. Read the table. The Rf values are 0.25 for dye A, 0.75 for dye B, and 0.5 for dye C.
    0.25, 0.75, 0.5
  2. Decide. The largest is 0.75, for dye B.
    dye B
  3. Write the answer.
    dye B

Check. Dye B moved furthest. ✓

Worked example 8.4.3
A dye spot moves 3 cm, and the solvent front moves 8 cm. What is its Rf value? Write the number.

Method. Use the Rf formula.

  1. Write the values. The spot moved 3 cm and the solvent moved 8 cm.
    3 and 8
  2. Divide. Rf = 3 / 8 = 0.375.
    3 / 8 = 0.375
  3. Write the answer.
    0.375

Check. 0.375 x 8 = 3. ✓

Watch out

Watch out: measure the distance from the baseline, not from the bottom of the paper. The baseline is the pencil line where the spot was placed.

Exam tip

Exam tip. Use pencil for the baseline, never ink, because ink would move up the paper and mix with the dyes.

Try it (with your teacher, or a grown-up at home). With a grown-up, use a washable felt-tip pen to make a dot on a pencil line at the bottom of a strip of paper towel. Stand the strip in a little water, with the dot above the water. Watch the colours separate, and note which dye moves furthest.

Exercise 8D  Chromatography

1
FWhat is the line drawn in pencil at the bottom of a chromatogram called? Write the word.
2
FWhat is the solvent in a simple chromatography test with ink? Write the word.
3
FWhich dye moved the furthest in the table? Write the name.
4
FWhat is the Rf value of dye A? Write the number.
5
FWhat is the Rf value of dye C? Write the number.
6
FWhat is the distance moved by the solvent front in the table? Write the number of cm.
7
FWhich spot moved the least? Write the name of the dye.
8
PSA dye spot moves 4 cm and the solvent front moves 8 cm. What is the Rf value? Write the number.
9
PSA dye spot moves 6 cm and the solvent front moves 8 cm. What is the Rf value? Write the number.
10
PSA dye spot moves 1 cm and the solvent front moves 8 cm. What is the Rf value? Write the number.
11
PSWhich dye has the higher Rf value: dye A or dye C? Write the name.
12
PSBen says the Rf value of dye B is 6, because it moved 6 cm. Is Ben right? Write yes or no.
13
PSWorking scientifically: a pupil uses ink to draw the baseline. Name the effect this could have on the test. Write one sentence.
14
RExplain why dyes separate on the paper in chromatography. Write one sentence.
15
RChallenge: a spot moves 3 cm and the solvent front moves 6 cm. Write the Rf value as a decimal.
8.5

Magnetic separation and choosing a method

Year 7
C6: separate a mixture using magnetism, and choose a suitable method by the properties of the substances
Video lesson: Magnetic separation and choosing a methodComing soon
Story. The class has a dish of sand with iron filings mixed in. “How do I get the iron out?” asks Ruby. Her teacher holds up a magnet. “Iron is magnetic, but sand is not. Use the property that is different.”

Magnetic separation uses a magnet to pull out a magnetic substance from a mixture. Iron and steel are magnetic; sand and most other materials are not.

To choose a method, look for a property that is different between the substances: whether the solid is soluble, whether it is magnetic, the boiling points, or the way the substances move on paper.

sand and iron filingsmagnetthe magnet pulls the iron out
A magnet pulling iron filings out of a dish of sand.

The table matches each mixture with the method that separates it, and the reason it works.

MixtureMethodReason it works
sand in waterfiltrationthe sand is an insoluble solid, and the water passes through the filter paper
salt dissolved in waterevaporationthe water evaporates and the salt is left behind as a solid
pure water from salt waterdistillationthe water evaporates, then condenses in a separate tube
iron filings and sandmagnetic separationiron is magnetic, so a magnet pulls it out
the dyes in a black felt-tip inkchromatographythe dyes move up the paper at different rates

Key ideas

  • Magnetic separation removes a magnetic substance from a mixture.
  • Choose a method by finding a property that is different between the substances.
  • Filtration: insoluble solid and liquid. Evaporation: a dissolved solid.
  • Distillation: a solvent from a solution. Chromatography: dyes in a mixture.
Worked example 8.5.1
Which method separates iron filings from sand? Write the word.

Method. Find the property that is different.

  1. Find the property. Iron is magnetic, but sand is not.
    magnetic
  2. Decide. So the method is magnetic separation.
    magnetic separation
  3. Write the answer.
    magnetic separation

Check. A magnet pulls the iron out. ✓

Worked example 8.5.2
Which method separates the dyes in a black felt-tip ink? Write the word.

Method. Find the property that is different.

  1. Find the property. The dyes move up the paper at different rates.
    different rates
  2. Decide. So the method is chromatography.
    chromatography
  3. Write the answer.
    chromatography

Check. The dyes separate into spots. ✓

Worked example 8.5.3
A mixture of sand and water is to be separated. Which method is best? Write the word.

Method. Check the solid.

  1. Check the solid. Sand is insoluble, so it stays as a solid in the water.
    insoluble
  2. Decide. So filtration is the best method.
    filtration
  3. Write the answer.
    filtration

Check. Filtration catches the sand. ✓

Watch out

Watch out: a magnet only separates magnetic substances. Sand and water cannot be separated from each other by a magnet.

Exam tip

Exam tip. In a question about choosing a method, name the property that is different, then give the method that uses it.

Try it (with your teacher, or a grown-up at home). With a grown-up, mix a little iron filings into a dish of sand. Use a magnet to pull the iron out, wrapped in a plastic bag so the filings do not stick to your fingers. Say which property of the iron made this possible.

Exercise 8E  Magnetic separation and choosing a method

1
FWhich substance is attracted to a magnet: iron, or sand? Write the word.
2
FWhat method uses a magnet to pull out a substance from a mixture? Write the words.
3
FIs sand magnetic? Write yes or no.
4
FWhich method separates a dissolved solid from its solvent, and leaves the solid as crystals? Write the word.
5
FWhich method separates an insoluble solid from a liquid? Write the word.
6
FWhich method separates the solvent from a solution, and collects it? Write the word.
7
FWhich method would separate the dyes in ink? Write the word.
8
PSA mixture of iron filings, salt and sand is to be separated. Which substance is removed first with a magnet? Write the word.
9
PSIn that same mixture, which method separates the sand from the salt water next? Write the word.
10
PSAli says a magnet can separate salt from water. Is Ali right? Write yes or no.
11
PSWorking scientifically: a pupil wants to separate a mixture of salt and water, and keep both. Name a suitable method. Accept any one: distillation (keeps the water), or evaporation (keeps the salt).
12
RExplain why a magnet is a useful property to use in separating a mixture, but not for salt and water. Write one sentence.
13
RChallenge: explain how you would separate a mixture of sand, salt and water, in the right order. Write one sentence.

Chapter summary

SkillMethod
MixtureNot chemically bonded; each substance keeps its own properties.
FiltrationSeparates an insoluble solid from a liquid. Residue on the paper; filtrate through.
EvaporationSeparates a dissolved solid from its solvent, leaving crystals.
DistillationSeparates a solvent from a solution: evaporate, then condense. The distillate is collected.
ChromatographySeparates dyes by how far each moves. Rf = spot distance / solvent front distance.
Magnetic separationRemoves a magnetic substance, such as iron, with a magnet.

Can you…?

  • I can say what a mixture is, and what a pure substance is
  • I can name the solvent, solute and solution in a solution
  • I can choose filtration, evaporation, distillation, chromatography or magnetic separation for a mixture
  • I can explain how distillation gives pure water
  • I can calculate an Rf value from the distance moved by the spot and the solvent front

Key terms

mixture
two or more substances that are not chemically bonded
pure substance
a substance that contains only one substance
solvent
the liquid that dissolves a solute
solute
the substance that dissolves in a solvent
solution
the mixture formed when a solute dissolves in a solvent
soluble
able to dissolve
insoluble
not able to dissolve
residue
the solid left on the filter paper
filtrate
the liquid that passes through the filter paper
distillate
the liquid collected after distillation
condenser
a cooled tube where vapour turns back into liquid
chromatography
a method that separates substances by how far each moves on paper
Rf value
distance moved by a spot divided by distance moved by the solvent front

Exercise 8Z  Check-up

1
What is a mixture? Write one sentence.
2
Which method separates sand from water? Write the word.
3
Which method separates salt from water, leaving salt crystals? Write the word.
4
Which method collects pure water from salt water? Write the word.
5
What is the name of the part that cools the vapour in distillation? Write the word.
6
A dye spot moves 2 cm and the solvent front moves 8 cm. What is the Rf value? Write the number.
7
Which dye has the largest Rf value in the table: dye A (0.25), dye B (0.75) or dye C (0.5)? Write the name.
8
Which method separates iron filings from sand? Write the word.
9
Is a compound a mixture? Write yes or no.
10
In a solution of sugar in water, which substance is the solute? Write the word.
11
Explain why chromatography separates the dyes in ink. Write one sentence.

Total 17 marks. Allow about 17 minutes.

Exercise 8X  Practice test questions

1
FWhich method separates a dissolved solid from a solution? Write the word.[1 mark]
2
PSA dye spot moves 6 cm, and the solvent front moves 8 cm. Write the Rf value.[2 marks]
3
FName the residue and the filtrate when sand and water are filtered. Write the two words, residue first.[2 marks]
4
FWhich method is best for separating a mixture of iron filings and sand? Write the word.[1 mark]
5
RExplain why distillation of salt water gives pure water. Write one sentence.[2 marks]
6
PSWrite the Rf value of a dye spot that moves 4 cm, when the solvent front moves 8 cm. Write the number.[1 mark]
7
FIs a mixture of sugar and water a compound? Write yes or no.[1 mark]
8
FGive the method for separating a solvent from a solution, and the name of the liquid collected. Write the method and the liquid.[2 marks]
9
PSA pupil says the dyes in ink separate because they all have the same speed. Is the pupil right? Write yes or no.[2 marks]
10
FWrite the name of the solid left on the filter paper when a mixture is filtered. Write the word.[1 mark]
11
RExplain why a mixture of salt and water cannot be separated by filtration. Write one sentence.[2 marks]

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