Final answer:
Pure water can be obtained from impure water using methods like reverse osmosis, distillation, and freezing. Reverse osmosis is particularly important for desalination, providing freshwater in regions with scarce water supplies. These methods utilize physical and chemical phenomena to separate water from impurities.
Step-by-step explanation:
To obtain pure water from impure water, several methods can be employed based on the principles of chemistry and physics. One of the most effective methods is reverse osmosis, which involves applying high pressure to force water through a semipermeable membrane, leaving dissolved salts and other impurities behind. This technology not only produces pure water but is also vital in desalination plants around the world, making it a critical resource in areas with limited fresh water.
Another method of purifying water is through distillation, which entails boiling water to produce vapor, then condensing this vapor back into liquid form, free of many of the original impurities. Freezing can also be used to purify water, as when water freezes, the ice contains significantly fewer impurities than the unfrozen water. Additionally, simple filtration can remove physical impurities, although it is less effective at removing dissolved substances compared to other methods.
Summary of Water Purification Methods
Reverse Osmosis: High-pressure filtration through a semipermeable membrane.
Distillation: Boiling and condensing to remove impurities.
Freezing: Separating pure ice from impure water.
Filtration: Physically straining out particulate matter.