Final answer:
To separate mixture components, various physical properties can be used. Filtration separates solids from fluids, distillation uses boiling point differences, and crystallization relies on solubility differences. Chromatography separates based on adhesion to a surface or solvent solubility.
Step-by-step explanation:
The separation of components in a mixture can be achieved through various methods that utilize physical properties without changing the chemical composition of the substances involved. Filtration is an effective technique for separating solid substances from fluids (liquids or gases), relying on a medium that allows only the fluid to pass. The retain solid matter is trapped by the filter, while the fluid, now termed the filtrate, is collected after passing through.
Distillation, another separation method, uses differences in boiling points or volatility to separate components. During distillation, the most volatile substance converts to gas first and is then condensed back to a liquid in a condenser. For instance, distilling a saltwater solution yields distilled water as the volatile component that is collected in a flask, with the non-volatile salt left behind.
Furthermore, crystallization is a technique that can separate components based on their solubility. Substances with different solubilities at various temperatures can be separated by crystallizing the less soluble substance. Lastly, methods like chromatography can separate substances based on their abilities to adhere to a solid surface or dissolve in a solvent. All these separation processes are important applications of the physical properties of the substances within a mixture.