Question

Explain why it is important that there be no gaps around the edges of the filter paper

during a vacuum filtration.

Answer 1

The filter paper cannot be folded up the sides, or have any gaps, because if it does, a significant amount of the solid will "run through" the filter paper.

Answer 2

Vacuum filtration is a separation technique that is used to separate a solid product from a liquid. The method involves pouring the mixture of the solid and the liquid through a filter paper that is inserted inside a funnel. The filter paper trap the solid while the liquid is drawn through the funnel into the flask by a vacuum. It is very important to ensure that there is no gap around the edges of filter paper that is inserted into the funnel so that the mixture will not escape the filter paper and be poured directly into the flask below, thus messing up the separation process.