Final answer:
To separate a mixture of iron filings, sand, and sugar, use a magnet to remove the iron filings, dissolve the remaining mixture in water and filter to separate the sand, and then evaporate the water to reclaim the sugar.
Step-by-step explanation:
To separate a mixture of iron filings, sand, and sugar, one can employ the distinct physical properties of each component. Initially, a magnet can be used to attract and separate the iron filings from the mixture due to the magnetic property of iron. Following this, the remaining sand and sugar can be dissolved in water. Sugar dissolves in water to form a homogeneous mixture known as sugar water, while sand, being insoluble, remains as a heterogeneous mixture. Filtration can then be used to separate the sand from the sugar water, as the sand will be left behind on the filter paper. Lastly, to recover the sugar from the sugar water, the solution can be evaporated, leaving the sugar behind.