Separation of different materials from the mixture in Separation of Substances – Class 6 Science Experiment

Chapter Name: Separation of Substances

Activity Name: Separation of different materials from the mixture in Separation of Substances

Activity Description:

In this experiment, we will separate a mixture of sand, sawdust, and salt by using water as a medium. By observing the behavior of the substances in water, we can identify which substances float, settle at the bottom, or dissolve in the water.

Required Items:

1. Beaker
2. Sand
3. Sawdust
4. Salt
5. Water
6. Stirring rod or spoon

Step by Step Procedure:

1. Take a beaker and fill it halfway with water.
2. Add the mixture of sand, sawdust, and salt to the beaker.
3. Stir the mixture well using a stirring rod or spoon to ensure proper mixing.
4. Allow the mixture to stand undisturbed for 10 minutes.

Experiment Observations:

• Observation: After 10 minutes, we observe that the substances in the mixture behave differently in water.
• Substance floating on the water: The sawdust particles float on the surface of the water.
• Collecting the floating substance: We can collect the sawdust by skimming it off the water surface using a spoon or any suitable tool.
• Substance settling at the bottom: The sand particles settle at the bottom of the beaker.
• Collecting the settled substance: We can pour the water carefully into another container, leaving behind the settled sand at the bottom.
• Substance dissolved in the water: The salt dissolves in the water, becoming a part of the water itself.
• Getting back the dissolved substance: We can separate the dissolved salt from the water through the process of evaporation. By heating the water, the water molecules will evaporate, leaving the salt behind, which can be collected.

Precautions:

• Handle the glass beaker carefully to avoid any breakage or injury.
• Use a suitable tool to stir the mixture gently, ensuring the safety of the apparatus.
• Avoid ingesting or inhaling any of the substances used in the experiment.
• Dispose of the separated substances properly according to local guidelines.

Lesson Learnt from Experiment:

1. This experiment demonstrates that different substances can be separated from a mixture based on their properties.
2. Sawdust floats on water due to its low density.
3. Sand settles at the bottom due to its higher density.
4. Salt dissolves in water, forming a homogeneous mixture.
5. By understanding the properties of substances and utilizing appropriate separation techniques, we can separate them effectively.