Use of water in separation in Separation of Substances – Class 6 Science Experiment

Chapter Name: Separation of Substances

Activity Name: Use of water in separation in Separation of Substances

Activity Description:

In this experiment, you will explore the properties of different solid materials in water to determine which ones float, sink, dissolve, or remain insoluble. By observing these properties, you will gain an understanding of how water can be used as a separating agent.

Required Items:

1. Ghee
2. Wax
3. Sand
4. Sugar
5. Salt
6. Haldi (Turmeric)
7. Dal (Lentils)
8. Plastic
9. Wood
10. Iron nails
11. Bucketful of water
12. Beaker

Step by Step Procedure:

1. Fill the bucket with water.
2. Place the beaker on a stable surface.
3. Take each solid material (ghee, wax, sand, sugar, salt, haldi, dal, plastic, wood, iron nails) one by one and perform the following steps for each material: a. Drop a small amount of the material into the beaker of water. b. Observe what happens to the material in the water. c. Record your observations.

Experiment Observations:

1. Which materials float on water?
   • Ghee, wax, plastic, wood
2. Which materials sink in water?
   • Sand, sugar, salt, haldi, dal, iron nails
3. Which materials are soluble in water?
   • Sugar, salt
4. Which materials are not soluble in water?
   • Ghee, wax, sand, haldi, dal, plastic, wood, iron nails

Precautions:

• Use small amounts of each material to avoid wasting resources.
• Handle the materials carefully to prevent accidents or spills.
• Conduct the experiment in a well-ventilated area or under a fume hood, if necessary.

Lesson Learnt from Experiment:

Through this experiment, you have learned the following:

1. Some materials float on water, while others sink.
2. Sugar and salt are soluble in water, forming a homogeneous solution.
3. Ghee, wax, sand, haldi, dal, plastic, wood, and iron nails are insoluble in water.
4. Water can be used as a separating agent to differentiate between materials based on their solubility and buoyancy.