Chemistry Lesson Note On Separation Techniques – Filtration, Distillation, Sublimation, Chromatography

Topic: Separation Techniques – Filtration, Distillation, Sublimation, Chromatography

Class: SS1

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Specific Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. Define separation techniques.
2. Identify different methods of separating mixtures.
3. Explain the principles behind filtration, distillation, sublimation, and chromatography.
4. State examples of mixtures that can be separated by each method.

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Instructional Materials

• Diagrams or animations of each technique
• Filter paper, funnel, sand and water mixture (for filtration demo)
• Condenser model or image (for distillation)
• Iodine or camphor (for sublimation demo, if available)
• Ink and filter paper (for chromatography demo)
• Whiteboard and markers

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Lesson Content

Step 1: Definition of Separation Techniques

Separation techniques are methods used to separate mixtures into their individual components based on their physical properties like particle size, boiling point, solubility, or sublimation ability.

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Step 2: Filtration

Definition: Filtration is used to separate an insoluble solid from a liquid.
Process: A filter paper is placed in a funnel, and the mixture is poured through it. The solid stays on the paper while the liquid passes through.
Example: Sand and water.
Principle: Difference in particle size.

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Step 3: Distillation

Definition: Distillation separates a liquid from a solution based on their boiling points.
Types:

• Simple distillation – for liquids with large boiling point differences
• Fractional distillation – for liquids with close boiling points
  Example: Separating water from saltwater, separating ethanol from water.
  Principle: Differences in boiling points.

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Step 4: Sublimation

Definition: Sublimation is used to separate a sublimable solid from a non-sublimable substance.
Example: Separating iodine or camphor from sand.
Principle: Some solids change directly into gas when heated.

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Step 5: Chromatography

Definition: Chromatography separates dissolved substances in a solution based on how they move through a medium (e.g., paper).
Process: A drop of ink is placed on filter paper and dipped in water. The different dyes travel at different rates.
Example: Separating colors in ink.
Principle: Differences in solubility and adhesion to the medium.

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Evaluation

1. What is the main purpose of separation techniques?
2. Name four separation techniques and their principles.
3. Which technique is suitable for:
   a) Salt from water?
   b) Ink components?
   c) Camphor from sand?
4. Describe the steps involved in filtration.

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Homework

1. Draw and label a setup for:
   a) Filtration
   b) Simple distillation
2. Write one real-life example of where each of the four methods is applied at home or in industries.

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Conclusion

Different mixtures require different separation techniques. Understanding how and why these methods work is essential in both chemistry labs and everyday life, from purifying water to separating colors in a dye.