Matter is classified into pure substances and mixtures based on internal composition, with mixtures able to be separated through physical means without chemical reactions. Various methods for separating mixtures include filtration, evaporation, simple distillation, magnetism, and separating funnels, each suited to specific types of mixtures. Understanding these separation techniques is essential in practical applications such as water treatment and laboratory processes.

1. BY PROF. LIWAYWAY MEMIJE-CRUZ
Basic Separation
Techniques

2. Classification of Matter
Matter can be classified into two categories: pure
substances and mixtures. This classification is
based on the internal composition of that matter.
Using composition to describe matter is better than
using its state, because the internal makeup makes
matter unique, and not its phase or state. Example,
water (H2O) can be vapor, solid or the usual liquid.
This means that scientifically, it is not correct to say
water is a liquid, even though we all know that water
is usually a liquid.

3. Classification of Matter

4. Mixtures
formed of little bits of
one or more
substances mixed
together. Usually, the
parts can be separated
from each other by
physical means,
because it does not
involve any chemical
reactions or bonds.

5. Types of Mixtures

6. Separating Mixtures
Mixtures come in many forms and
phases. Most of them can be separated,
and the kind of separation method
depends on the kind of mixture it is

7. Filtration
a more common method of separating an insoluble
solid from a liquid. An example of such a mixture is
sand and water.
used in water treatment plants, where water from
rivers is filtered to remove solid particles.

8. Evaporation
great for separating a mixture (solution) of a
soluble solid and a solvent.
involves heating the solution until the solvent
evaporates (turns into gas) leaving behind the solid
residue.

9. Simple distillation
best for separating a liquid from a solution. In a way, the
concept is similar to evaporation, but in this case, the
vapor is collected by condensation. For example, if you
want to separate water from a salt solution, simple
distillation would be great for this.

10. Magnetism
ideal for separating mixtures of two solids with one part
having magnetic properties. Some metals like iron, nickel
and cobalt have magnetic properties whiles gold, silver
and aluminum do not. Magnetic elements are attracted to
a magnet.

11. Separating funnel
two liquids that do not dissolve very well in each other
(immiscible liquids) can be separated by taking advantage
of their unequal density. A mixture of oil and water, for
example, can be separated by this technique.

12. References
http://www.eschooltoday.com/science/elements-
mixtures-compounds/what-is-separation-
funnel.html
http://amrita.olabs.edu.in/?
sub=73&brch=2&sim=96&cnt=1