Chemistry Lab: Separation of a Mixture
Name: ____________________________________
Description: The purpose of this lab is to design a method to separate a mixture of five different
substances based on their physical properties. You will first test the properties of solubility in
water, solubility in alcohol, and magnetism. Based on the data you collect, you can figure out a
way to separate a mixture of sand, copper sulfate, citric acid, calcium carbonate, and iron filings.
Procedure: Part 1 (Properties)
1. Obtain 5 test tubes and place them on a test tube rack.
2. Use a scoop to add just a pinch of each substance to the test tube as follows:
test tube # 1: citric acid
test tube # 2: iron filings, Fe
test tube # 3: copper sulfate, CuSO4
test tube # 4: calcium carbonate (CaCO3)
test tube # 5: sand
3. Use the wash bottle to fill each test tube about 1/3 full with distilled water. Stir each one and
then let it settle. After a couple of minutes, decide if at least some of the substance has
dissolved. Record as soluble or insoluble in your data table. Dump the contents of the test
tubes in the chemical waste tray and rinse the test tubes with distilled water.
4. Obtain 5 new, dry test tubes and repeat solubility tests using isopropyl alcohol (rubbing
alcohol) instead of water. When finished, rinse out the test tubes with distilled water.
5. To test for magnetism, wrap the magnet inside of one layer of paper towel and pass it by the
different substances. Record, in your data, if magnetic or not.
Procedure: Part 2 (the mixture)
Obtain a sample of the mixture from your teacher. It has all five of the substances that you tested
in part 1. Using any of the materials at your table, devise a way to separate them from each other.
Use any of the materials at your table, and devise a way to separate them from each other. Use
any of the glassware you have as containers (beakers, watch glass, etc.). Substances do not
need to be in their original form (solid), as long as they are separated from each other. When you
are finished with that, check with your teacher before you clean up.
When finished with the clean up, don’t forget to get your lab paper initialed!
This lab write-up is required, so please fill out the worksheet on the next page:
My initials (2 pts): _____________
Substance
Citric Acid
Part 1 Data Table (4 pts)
Soluble in Water?
Soluble in Alcohol?
Magnetic?
Iron Filings
Copper Sulfate
Calcium Carbonate
Sand
Part 2 Procedures (8 pts)
In the following spaces, write as many procedures as are necessary to separate the mixture. You
may not use all of the numbers, or if you need more, attach your own sheet of paper.
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Lab Write-up Questions (6 pts)
You may use your notes and packet to help answer these questions, but you MUST work by
yourself! Do not copy anyone else’s words and don’t let anyone copy yours!
Give your answers in complete sentences!
1. What is the difference between physical and chemical properties?
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2. How does a mixture differ from a compound?
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3. Distinguish between a homogeneous mixture and a heterogeneous mixture:
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The mixture in this lab was which type (homogeneous or heterogeneous)?
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4. Evaluate your method of separating the mixture (ex: how successful was it? How
easy/difficult was it?). Suggest at least one way to improve it.
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