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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
Physical Properties
Iron filings
Sawdust
Sand
Paper Clips
Step 2
Method of
Separation
Step 4
Property that
made separation
possible
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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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