Name__________________________________________ Period______ Date__________________
Separating a dry heterogeneous mixture
Purpose: To determine a method to separate a dry heterogeneous mixture by applying
your knowledge of physical properties.
Materials: beaker, iron filings, paper clips, sawdust, paper cups, magnets, tweezers,
water, magnet, filter paper, funnel
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What is a heterogeneous mixture?
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Directions:
1. Examine the four substances. Record at least three physical properties for each
substance. Record your observations under step1 on the chart below the blank box.
2. Pour all four substances into a dry beaker and mix thoroughly with the wooden
splint or use your station’s scoopula. Note that the properties of each substance in
the beaker have not changed – the definition of a mixture. The fact that we can still
see the components makes the mixture heterogeneous.
3. In the blank box below, determine the record the method you will use to separate the
mixture by taking advantage of the physical properties of the components. Do NOT
begin separating; this is the planning stage. You may describe, use bullet points,
make a flow chart, etc. Have your teacher approve your proposed technique
BEFORE you begin separating the mixture.
4. Once your plan has been approved, begin separating your substances. When you
have finished, briefly record the successful technique in the Step 3 column of the
data chart.
Step 1
Substance
Iron filings
Sawdust
Sand
Paper Clips
Physical Properties
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*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
Step 2
Method of
Separation
Step 4
Property that made
separation possible
1. Name at least three properties that allowed you to separate the mixture. Explain
why your technique worked to separate the four components.
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2. In your separation, you used ___________________ properties. What is the definition
of this property?
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3. When you initially mixed all of the materials, why was this a heterogeneous and not
a homogeneous mixture?
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