STI Colleges

Ortigas Avenue Extension

Cainta, Rizal

Separation Methods
Junelle Jade V. Agustin, Jayverik Ethan M. Arcellana, John Cesar Angelo R. Basco,
Kyle S. Calvar, Benjamin Victor P. Felix, MJ R. Lunas, Isaac Aaron R. Mendiola,
Paul Benedict Sarmiento, & Enrico T. Sulit

Grade 12 STEM 301- Senior High School

Jhon Albert Tamayo Jerusalem
September 26, 2023

Abstract: Separating mixtures firsthand can help improve a student’s understanding of the
properties of different mixtures and how separation methods work. In this laboratory experiment,
the students separated sand, iron filings, and salt using filtration, magnetic separation, and simple
distillation. Several factors affected the separation methods and determined the accuracy of the
separation. The students separated the mixture’s components with high — but not perfect —
accuracy.

I. Introduction
Elements make up the entirety of the Earth. People use different mixtures of elements in
many ways, like building sites or use in fertilizer for agriculture. Mixtures are a vital
component of the universe. It is important to understand their different properties and
methods in which they can be manipulated. In this experiment, the students were tasked
to separate different components of a mixture. By separating these materials, the students
can learn more about them and their characteristics.

II. Objective
The objective is to create a mixture of sand, iron filings, and salt, and then separate each
component using various separation methods. By doing this experiment, the researchers
aim to illustrate the principle of separating mixtures and to enhance the researchers'
understanding of mixtures, their components and their characteristics.
III. Methodology
Firstly, arrange the materials to use for the laboratory exercise: sand, salt, iron filings,
magnet, plastic, gauze pad, laboratory filter paper and four containers. This experiment
also requires a heating device that can boil water. In this case, a hot plate was used as a
heating device.

Procedure A
Preparing the Mixture
STEP 1: Using the weighing scale, measure out equal amounts of each material that will
be used.
STEP 2: In one container, combine the indicated amounts of sand, salt, and iron filings.
Be certain that nothing is left behind because the entire amount is counted.

Procedure B
Separating the Components
STEP 1: Remove the iron filings from the mixture with a plastic-covered magnet. By the
help of the plastic, slowly separate the iron filings from the magnet, transferring
the iron filings into a different container. Repeat until all iron filings has been
transferred to the opposite container.
STEP 2: Pour water into the container with the sand and salt. Mix until the salt dissolves.
STEP 3: Prepare another container to hold the saline solution. Filter the mixture with a
gauze pad to remove all the liquid from the sand.
STEP 4: Filter the liquid once more with laboratory filter paper to eliminate any
remaining dirt. Any sand and dirt retrieved from the filtration process must be
put in a separate container.
STEP 5: Place the container holding the saline solution on the hot plate after separating
the water and sand. Turn it up to 300°C and let the water boil.
STEP 6: While waiting for the boiling process, clean the rest of the experiment's
equipment. Make the final containers that will be utilized.
STEP 7: Observe the final progress for lab reports.

IV. Results
 Materials Separation Method Initial Weight Final Weight
Sand

Filtration 9g 10.3g

Iron Filings

Magnetic Separation 9g 9.4g

Salt

9g
Simple Distillation 7.4g

V. Discussion
The results showed an interesting change in the weight of each component. From the
separation methods used and the nature of the components, three things can be inferred.

Firstly, the sand became wet from the filtration method used. The dampness from the
filtration added to its weight and made it heavier. To achieve a more consistent weight,
the sand needed more time to fully dry and drain all the liquid through the filter.

Secondly, the iron filings became heavier because the sand contained grains of other
magnetic minerals, thus joining with the iron filings during magnetic separation. The
sample of sand turned out to contain more than just sand. It contained some unknown
metallic element that could be picked up by the magnet.

Thirdly, when transferring the saline solution to different containers, some droplets could
have been left behind in the beakers or clung to the wet sand, thus reducing the amount of
salt in the final container.

In the end, the students were still able to separate majority of the three samples.
VI. Conclusion
 The experiment was successful. This experiment showed the effectiveness of physical
separation methods at getting distinct components from the mixture. Magnetic separation,
filtration and distillation were all successful methods used in this laboratory for
separating iron filings, salt, and sand. Understanding separation methods is a regular
practice and is fundamental in various fields, including chemistry, industry, and
environmental science. In this activity, the students saw the importance of exact
measurements, careful observation, and patience in the scientific process.

VII. Reference
Flinn, G. (2023, June 9). What If We Ran Out of Minerals? How Stuff Works Website.
https://science.howstuffworks.com/science-vs-myth/what-if/what-if-ran-out-
minerals.htm
Why do we need minerals? (n.d.). British Geological Survey: Minerals UK Website.
https://www2.bgs.ac.uk/mineralsuk/mineralsYou/whyDo.html#:~:text=Minerals
%20are%20essential%20raw%20materials,are%20used%20to%20improve
%20soil.