Mixtures & Separation Techniques — GCSE Chemistry Revision
Revise Mixtures & Separation Techniques for GCSE Chemistry. Step-by-step explanation, worked examples, common mistakes and exam-style practice aligned to AQA, Edexcel, OCR, WJEC, Eduqas, CCEA, Cambridge International (CIE), SQA, IB, AP.
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Go to Development of the Atomic ModelWhat is Mixtures & Separation Techniques?
Mixtures consist of two or more substances that are not chemically combined. Separation techniques like filtration, crystallisation, and distillation are used to separate mixtures based on differences in physical properties.
Board notes: All exam boards require knowledge of filtration, crystallisation, simple distillation, fractional distillation, and paper chromatography. Practical skills in these techniques are also assessed.
Step-by-step explanationWorked example
To separate sand from a mixture of sand and water, you would use filtration. The sand is insoluble, so it will be trapped by the filter paper, while the water will pass through as the filtrate.
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Common mistakes
- 1Confusing distillation and fractional distillation. Simple distillation separates a liquid from a dissolved solid, while fractional distillation separates liquids with different boiling points.
- 2Not understanding that separation techniques rely on physical, not chemical, properties.
- 3Forgetting to label diagrams of separation apparatus correctly, which is a common source of lost marks in exams.
Mixtures & Separation Techniques exam questions
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Step-by-step method
Step-by-step explanation
4 steps · Worked method for Mixtures & Separation Techniques
Core concept
Mixtures consist of two or more substances that are not chemically combined. Separation techniques like filtration, crystallisation, and distillation are used to separate mixtures based on differences…
Frequently asked questions
How do you separate salt from water?
You can separate salt from water by simple distillation. The water is evaporated, then cooled and condensed back into a liquid, leaving the salt behind.
What is chromatography used for?
Chromatography is used to separate mixtures of soluble substances, such as different coloured inks. It works because some substances are more soluble than others in the solvent.