Integrated Science – Dr. May
Mixture Separation
This multi-day laboratory exercise is designed to allow the student to
separate a mixture of sand and salt as accurately as possible and to determine
percent loss of any material. During this laboratory the student will learn to
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Find the mass of solids
Record weights of filters, beakers, and dishes
Find mass differences
Use a filter device to remove solids from a solution
Investigate solubilities and solutions
Observe evaporation of a solvent from a solution.
Observe crystal growth
Determine mass balance
Determine experimental mass loss
Calculate percent error.
Procedure
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Obtain a sample of mixture.
Weigh a 100-200 ml glass beaker and record (Data #1)
Add mixture to the beaker, weigh, and record (Data #2)
Add about 50 ml of water and stir (5 minutes)
Prepare filter device
Weigh filter paper and record (Data #4)
Weigh a 100 ml beaker and record (Data #7)
Filter the slurry and collect all the solution in the beaker
Allow the solution to evaporate 24-48 hours
Weigh the dish plus the salt and record (Data #8)
Allow the filter paper to dry 24-48 hours
Weigh filter paper plus sand and record (Data #5)
Perform calculations
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Integrated Science – Dr. May
Mixture Separation – Lab Report
Group Members: _____________________
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Date: _______________________ Periods: ________________________
Laboratory Data Sheet
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Mass of items to be determined
Mass (grams)
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3.
Beaker A
Beaker A plus salt and sand mixture
Mixture (Subtract mass of 1 from mass of 2)
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5.
6.
Filter paper
Sand plus filter paper (Must be dry)
Sand (Subtract mass of 4 from mass of 5)
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8.
9.
Evaporating Dish
Evaporating Dish plus salt (dry)
Salt (Subtract mass of 7 from mass of 8)
10. Experimental weight of sand (Mass 6)
11. Experimental weight of salt (Mass 9)
12. Experimental weight of mixture (Add mass of
10 to mass of 11)
13. Actual weight of mixture (Mass 3)
14. Difference (Subtract mass of 1 from
mass of 2)
15. % loss or gain (14 ÷ 13 x 100)
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