Names:
Chemistry
Separation of a Mixture: An Inquiry Lab
(for groups of 2 or 3 students)
Objective: Separate a mixture of sand and iron filings, and than calculate the % mass of the two
substances in the mixture.
Materials:
Sand and iron filings mixture
2 numbered Dixie cups
2 Scoopulas
2 styrofoam plates
2 magnets
Powder funnel
Balance
Procedure:
1. Weigh each Dixie cup and record the weights in the data table below.
2. Obtain a sample of the sand and iron mixture from your teacher, place it in one of the
weighed Dixie cups and weigh the cup and the sample. Calculate the weight of just the
mixture sample.
3. Pour the mixture out on one of the plates, and use the available materials to separate the
sand from the iron. (You have to figure out how to do this.)
DO NOT PUT THE MAGNETS DIRECTLY INTO THE MIXTURE!!!
There will be a 5 point deduction from your lab for doing so.
4. Collect the sand in one of the weighed Dixie cups and the iron in the other, and weigh the
two cups.
5. Calculate the %mass as follows:
% mass sand 
Data:
Cup
wt of sand
x 100
total sample wt
Wt empty (g)
Wt + sample (g)
% mass iron 
wt of iron
x 100
total sample wt
Wt + sand (g)
Wt + iron (g)
Sand
Iron
Calculations:
Sample wt:
g
Sand wt:
g
%mass sand:
%
%mass iron:
%
Iron wt:
g