Pearson Edexcel International GCSE (9–1) · CHEMISTRY · Section
Separation of mixtures
19 practice questions
Practice questions
1–3 of 3 · Hard
Question 1
2 marks · Hard
Answer and see the solution →A laboratory technician is given a mixture containing sand, sodium chloride, and water. State the steps required to separate and collect both the sand and pure sodium chloride crystals from this mixture.
Question 2
5 marks · Hard
Answer and see the solution →A chemist needs to separate and collect pure ethanol from a mixture of ethanol and water. Both substances are completely miscible. The boiling point of ethanol is 78°C and that of water is 100°C.
(a)[1 mark]Name the separation technique that should be used to obtain pure ethanol from the mixture.
(b)[2 marks]Describe how this technique separates ethanol from water. Include reference to their boiling points and any specific apparatus that must be used.
(c)[1 mark]State one reason why ethanol collected from this process is not completely pure.
(d)[1 mark]Draw a labelled diagram of the key apparatus used for this separation.
Question 3
2 marks · Hard
Answer and see the solution →A student is given a mixture containing sand, sodium chloride, and water. For each of the following, state the most suitable separation technique and explain your choice briefly.
(a)[1 mark]To obtain dry sand from the mixture.
(b)[1 mark]To obtain pure sodium chloride crystals from the mixture.