Question

Consider a mixture of water sand and oil how many phases are present list them. How could you separate the mixture into individual substances?

Answer 1

The mixture of water, sand, and oil has three phases. Sand can be separated from water by filtration, and oil can be separated from water by decanting or using a separating funnel, as the substances keep their physical properties and are separated by mechanical means.

Step-by-step explanation:

A mixture of water, sand, and oil contains three phases. The phases present are water, sand, and oil. In terms of separation, oil and water form a heterogeneous mixture, with the oil floating on top because it is less dense. Sand, being a solid, will settle below the water due to its higher density.

To separate the mixture into individual substances, you could perform the following steps:

1. Allow the sand to settle and then decant the oil-and-water mixture from the top, leaving behind the sand.
2. Use filtration to separate the sand from the water. During filtration, the sand will be retained by the filter paper, and the water will pass through.
3. Finally, to separate the oil from the water, employ a method such as decanting or using a separating funnel. Since oil is immiscible with water and less dense, it will float on top and can be easily separated.

This allows the separation of the mixture without changing the physical properties of any substance, as they keep their physical properties and can be separated by mechanical means.