Separation of Substances

MCQs
Choose the correct option in the following questions:
Question 1. Butter is separated from milk by
(a) sedimentation
(b) filtration
(c) churning
(d) decantation

Explanation: Butter is separated by churning.

Question 2. Filtration is a method to separate the components of a

(a) solution
(b) mixture of a liquid and an insoluble substance
(c) both (a) and (b)
(d) pure substance

Explanation: Components of solution cannot be separated by this method.

Question 3. Threshing is done by

(a) beating
(b) bullocks
(c) machines
(d) all of these

Explanation: All the three methods can be used for threshing.

Question 4. Which method is used to separate pebbles and stones from sand?
(a) Handpicking
(b) Winnowing
(c) Sieving
(d) Any of these

Explanation: Handpicking will require more time while winnowing is not fit at all.

Question 5. The components of a solution (say sugar in water) can be separated by

(a) filtration
(b) evaporation
(c) sedimentation
(d) decantation

Explanation: By evaporation, the volatile component is evaporated which is then condensed.

Question 6. Sand from water is separated by

(a) sieving
(b) evaporation
(c) filtration
(d) sedimentation and decantation

Explanation: It can be done by evaporation and filtration also but sedimentation and decantation are easier
ways.

Question 7. The process of conversion of water vapours into liquid is called

(a) condensation
(b) decantation
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(c) sedimentation
(d) evaporation
Explanation: Water vapours changing into liquid is called condensation.

Question 8. The process of conversion of water into its vapours is called

(a) evaporation
(b) condensation
(c) guttation
(d) transpiration

Explanation: The conversion of water into vapours is called evaporation.

Question 9. A mixture of ammonium chloride and sand is separated by

(a) evaporation
(b) decantation
(c) sublimation
(d) filtration

Explanation: Ammonium chloride is separated by sublimation process.

Question 10. The property which forms the basis of sieving

(a) difference in weight
(b) difference in colour
(c) difference in shape
(d) difference in size

Explanation: Sieving method is used for separating solid constituents of a mixture which differ in their size.

Match the following items given in Column A with that in Column B:

Column A Column B

(a) Handpicking (i) Conversion of water vapours into liquids

(b) Threshing (ii) Separating bran from flour

(c) Winnowing (iii) Separating larger size impurities

(d) Sieving (iv) Separating butter from milk

(e) Sedimentation (v) Conversion of water into Us vapours

(f) Evaporation (vi) Separating grains from its stalks

(g) Condensation (vii) Settling of heavier components at bottom

(h) Churning (viii) Separation by wind or by blowing air

Answer:

Column A Column B

(a) Handpicking (iii) Separating larger size impurities

(b) Threshing (iv) Separating grains from its stalks

(c) Winnowing (viii) Separation by wind or by blowing air

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 (d) Sieving (ii) Separating bran from flour

(e) Sedimentation (vii) Settling of heavier components at bottom

(f) Evaporation (v) Conversion of water into its vapours

(g) Condensation (i) Conversion of water vapours into liquids

(h) Churning (iv) Separating butter from milk

Fill in the blanks with appropriate words:

1. Peanuts are separated from a mixture of wheat and peanut by handpicking

2. Winnowing is used to separate husk from wheat.

3. Fine sand can be separated from larger particles by sieving.

4. Glass is a mixture.

5. Compounds have fixed melting points.

6. Milk has a variable boiling point.

7. Boiling point of pure water is less than that of impure water.

8. Mixture may be solid, liquid or gas

9. Butter is a component of butter milk

10. Sugarcane juice is a mixture of sugar, water and many other substances.

11. Separation of components is done to obtain a pure substance.

12. Components retain their properties in a mixture

13. The method of separating seeds of paddy from its stalks is called threshing.

14. When milk, cooled after boiling, is poured onto a piece of cloth the cream (malai) is left behind on it.
This process of separating cream from milk is an example of filtration. 

15. Salt is obtained from seawater by the process of evaporation.

16. Impurities settled at the bottom when muddy water was kept overnight in a bucket. The clear water
was then poured off from the top. The process of separation used in this example is called sedimentation
and decantation.

State whether the statements given below are True or False:

1. Butter is separated from butter milk by churning. True

2. Separation of components of a mixture is a useful process. True

3. Ink loses its properties when mixed in water. False

4. ‘Sharbat’ is a mixture of sugar and water. True

5. Rocks pure substances. False

6. Milk is a mixture. True

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7. Common salt is ai pure substance. True

8. Mixture has properties different from its components. False

9. Tap water and pond water are alike. False

10. Elements are pure substances. True

11. A pure substance has a fixed melting and boiling points. True

12. Condensation method is used for separating substances which on heating change directly into vapour.
False

Write True or false. Also correct the incorrect sentences:

(a) A mixture of milk and water can be separated by filtration.
(b) A mixture of powdered salt and sugar can be separated by the process of winnowing.
(c) Separation of sugar from tea can be done with filtration.
(d) Grain and husk can be separated from the process of decantation.

Answer:
(a) False; Filtration is used for the separation of solid components of the mixture from the liquid. But here
both the components are liquids.

(b) False; Winnowing is used to separate heavier particles from the lighter particles which can be blown
away by the wind. But here both sand and sugar are heavy particles.

(c) False; Dissolved particles cannot be separated by filtration.

(d) False; Decantation is used to separate insoluble solid components from the liquid component.

Answer in One or Two Lines

Question 1. What are the components of air?
Answer:
Oxygen, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, etc.

Question 2. What are the components of milk?

Answer:
Milk-proteins, calcium, cream and water.

Question 3. What are the types of mixture?

Answer:
Heterogeneous mixtures and homogeneous mixtures.

Question 4. Name the process used to separate heavier and lighter components of a mixture.
Answer:
Winnowing

Question 5. Mention one purpose of separating the constituents of a mixture.

Answer:
To remove the undesirable substances.

Question 6. When handpicking is used?

Answer:

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Handpicking is used to separate undesirable components having different shape, size, colour and are
present in small amount.

Question 7. Which type of separation process is used in cashew factories?

Answer:
Sieving

Question 8. Name the process used to obtain salt from sea water.
Answer:
Evaporation

Question 9. Write opposite of the process of condensation.

Answer:
Evaporation

Question 10. What is effect of temperature on solubility?

Answer:
Solubility increases when temperature increases.

Question 11. Name the process of obtaining clear water from muddy water in which alum is
used.
Answer:
Loading

Question 12. Which method is used to separate a mixture of tea leaves and iron filings?
Answer:
By magnet

Question 13. Which gas dissolved in water helps aquatic animals to breathe?
Answer:
Oxygen gas

Question 14. Name the method by which you can separate butter from milk.
Answer:
Centrifugation

Question 15. Which liquid is called as universal solvent?

Answer:
Water

Question 16. Name some materials that are used as filters.

Answer:
Cotton, ceramic, fine cloth, filter paper, etc.

Question 17. Give one example of sieving used in everyday life.

Answer:
Separation of bran from flour.

Question 18. Which substance is used for loading?

Answer:
Alum

Question 19. Which process is used to separate bacteria from water?

Answer:
Filtration by using bacteria proof filters.

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Question 20. Name the process of separating two immiscible liquids.
Answer:
Decantation

Short Questions and Answers

Question 1. Why mixtures need to be separated? Give examples
Answer:
The main reason for separating the mixtures are:

1. To remove undesirable substances.

2. To get desirable substances.
3. To obtain highly pure substances.

Examples:
(a) Tea leaves are separated from tea.
(b) Pebbles are separated form rice and pulse.

Question 2. What is handpicking? When this method is used?

Answer:
The method in which the constituents are separated by simply picking them up by hand is called hand-
picking. It is used when there is a difference in size, colour, shape of desirable and undesirable
constituents.

Question 3. What is evaporation? What is the significance of this process?

Answer:
The changing of liquid into vapours is called evaporation. The process of evaporation is used on a large
scale to obtain common salt from sea water.

Question 4. What is threshing?

Answer:
The process of separating grains from the stalks is called threshing.

Question 5. What is the use of decantation?

Answer:
Decantation is used to separate insoluble solids from liquids. Two immiscible liquids are also separated by
this process.

Question 6. What is a mixture?

Answer:
When two or more than two substances are mixed together in any ratio then it is called a mixture.

Question 7. What is decantation?

Answer:
Decantation is the process of separating insoluble solids from liquids. A suspension of solid particles in
liquid is allowed to stand for some time. Solid particles settle down at the bottom. The clear water is then
transferred into another beaker.

Question 8. State one use of the method of winnowing.

Answer:
The method of winnowing is used to separate husk from various types of grain like wheat, rice, etc. Give
one use of the handpicking method of separating mixtures in daily life. The method of handpicking is
usually used to separate undesirable substances such as small pieces of stones from wheat, rice and
pulses.

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Question 9. Define the term sedimentation.
Answer:
The process in which heavier, insoluble solid settles down in a solution is called sedimentation.

Question 10. Is it possible to separate sugar mixed with wheat flour? If yes, how will you do
it?
Answer:
Sugar can be separated from wheat flour by sieving. Sugar particles being larger in size are retained by the
sieve whereas wheat flour will pass through it.

Question 11. How would you obtain clear water from a sample of muddy water?
Answer:
We can obtain clear water from a sample of muddy water by the process of filtration.

In this method, we use a filter paper that is fixed in the funnel. Then the mixture is poured on the filter
paper. Mud particles being larger in size will remain on the filter paper whereas clear water will pass
through it.

Long Questions & Answers

Question 1. Elaborate the process of filtration.
Answer:
Filtration is the process of separating an insoluble solid from a liquid with the help of a filtering agent like
filter paper, cloth, strainer, etc. During filtration, the solid insoluble substance is retained at the filter paper
as residue while the liquid free from any suspended matter passes through the filter paper and is collected
as filtrate.

There are certain soluble components infiltrate which can be separated by the process of evaporation
followed by crystallization.

Question 2. What is meant by saturated and unsaturated solution?

Answer:

 Saturated solution: At any particular temperature, a solution that has dissolved as much solute as it
is capable of dissolving, is said to be a saturated solution.

 Unsaturated solution: A solution in which more quantity of solute can be dissolved without raising
the temperature of the solution is called unsaturated solution.

Question 3. What is the effect of temperature on a saturated solution?

Answer:
(i) When a saturated solution is heated to a higher temperature, then it becomes unsaturated because the
solubility of solute increases with increase in temperature of the solution.
(ii) When a saturated solution is cooled to a lower temperature, then some of the dissolved solute
separates out in the form of solid crystal because the solubility of solute decreases on cooling the solution.

Question 4. What is the importance of centrifugation? How it is done?

Answer:
Centrifugation is the process of separating suspended particles from a liquid by rotating the liquid at a high
speed.

The mixture is taken in a closed bottle and rotated at a high speed. The heavy particles settle at the
bottom while light particles remain behind. The method is also used to separate cream from milk. Cream
being lighter than milk, floats at the top of the mixture.

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Question 5. What is loading? How will you obtain clear water from muddy river water by the
process of loading?
Answer:
The suspended small particles of muddy water are negatively charge which inhibit them to settle down due
to repulsion. On adding alum to this muddy water, removes the negative charge from the particles. This
particles forms clump easily, become heavier and settles down.

This process is called loading. Loading helps in purification of water from small suspended particles which
do not settles down easily and quickly. The clear water after settling down of suspended particles is
decanted in another container and is comparatively clearer.

Question 6. What is Sieving? Where can it be used?

Answer:
Sieving: The process of separating fine particles from the larger particles by using a sieve, is called sieving.

This method is used in a flour mill where impurities like husk and stones are removed from wheat before
grinding it. This method is also used at our homes where fine flour particles are separated from bigger
impurities by using a sieve.

Question 7. How will you separate sand and water from their mixture?
Answer:
Sand and water can be separated by any of the following two methods:

(a) Sedimentation and decantation: Mixture is kept undisturbed for some time. After some time, sand being
heavier and insoluble in water, settles down at the bottom of container. Now, water is poured into another
container to separate it from sand.

(b) Filtration: Mixture of sand and water is passed through a filter paper (a filter with very fine pores).
Sand particles being larger in size are retained by the filter paper and get separated from water.

Question 8. How will you separate husk or dirt particles from a given sample of pulses before
cooking?
Answer:

Husk or dirt particles can be separated by winnowing method. It is used to separate the heavier and lighter
components of a mixture by wind or by blowing air.

In this method, the mixture of husk and seeds of grain are taken in plate and are made to fall down from a
height up to our shoulders. As the mixture falls down, lighter husk is taken away by blowing air and the
heavier grain seeds fall down to make a heap.

HOTS
Question 1. Rahul by mistake mixed sugar with salt. What method he must adopt to quickly
separate this mixture?
Answer:
We must use the method of sieving for separating a mixture of salt and sugar. Salt particles are finer as
compared to sugar particles which makes it easier to sieve the finer salt particles through.

Question 2. Can we separate the mixture of sugar and milk?

Answer:
No

Question 3. Which method of separation will you adopt to separate a mixture of wheat flour,
moong dal and chana?

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Answer:
We will adopt the method of sieving followed by handpicking to separate the mixture. Sieving will separate
wheat flour from moong dal and chana. Handpicking will separate moong dal from chana. Sieve with
appropriate pores can also be used to separate moong dal from chana.

Question 4. Suggest any two methods to separate suspended particles of mud from water.
Answer:
Loading with alum and centrifugation.

Question 5. Is there any method through which we can separate different components of ink?
Answer:
Chromatography technique.

Question 6. How can we separate sugar from its sugar solution? Give reason to support your
answer.

A. Evaporation
B. Crystallization
C. Filtration
D. Decantation

Answer:

Correct option is A)

Sugar can be separated from its solution by using both evaporation and crystallization. But crystallization
method is preferred over evaporation because in crystallization we get pure crystals of sugar whereas in
evaporation charring of sugar can takes place.

Question 7. Separating funnel is used to separate liquids having same densities. Justify your
answer.

A. True
B. False

Correct option is B)
Separating funnel is used to separate liquids having different densities.
In this process, the liquid with lower density makes upper layer and liquid with higher density makes a
lower layer. The liquid in the lower layer then can be easily separated from the mixture by opening the tap
of a funnel.

Question 8. Distilled water cannot be separated into its constituents by physical methods.
Give reason for your choice.

A. True
B. False
C. Either
D. Neither

Answer:
Correct option is A)
Distilled water (H2O) cannot be separated into its constituents by physical methods. Distilled water is a
compound of hydrogen and oxygen. It can be separated into its constituents by chemical or
electrochemical methods.

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Question 9. Four students (A), (B), (C) and (D) independently observed the evaporation of
water under different conditions, and recorded the temperature of water at regular intervals
as shown below.
The correct recording of observations is that of the student:

i. (A)
ii. (B)
iii. (C)
iv. (D)

Answer:
Correct option is B)
Student (B) made the correct recording of observations. The temperature of water is expected to decrease
gradually. Actually, molecules of water undergoing evaporation take up energy from the rest of water
molecules in the container. As a result, the temperature is expected to decrease.

Question 10. Look at the sentences below and choose the correct option.
Assertion -Evaporation causes cooling
Reason - Particles of liquid absorb energy from the surrounding to regain the energy lost during
evaporation.
A. Both Assertion and Reason are correct and Reason is the correct explanation for
Assertion
B. Both Assertion and Reason are correct but Reason is not the correct explanation for
Assertion
C. Assertion is correct but Reason is incorrect
D. Assertion is incorrect but Reason is correct

Answer:
Correct option is A)
Both Assertion and Reason are correct and Reason is the correct explanation for Assertion.
During evaporation particles of the liquid gain energy from the surroundings to overcome the force of
attraction between them.
As a result loss of heat energy occurs in the surroundings that is why evaporation causes cooling.
If we pour some acetone on our hand we will fell cool because the particles gain energy from our hand to
evaporate.
Thus evaporation causes cooling.

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Question 11. The flow diagram shows how a student extracted pure, dry salt from rock
salt. Choose the word that completes the flow diagram.

A. Evaporation
B. Condensation
C. Freezing
D. Distillation

Answer:
Correct option is A)
Rock salt or halite is a mineral the contains sodium chloride (table salt) as well as other minerals and
impurities.
We can remove most of these contaminants using two simple purification techniques: filtration and
evaporation.
Although some impurities will remain in the materials, many of them will have been removed simply by
using the difference insolubility in water, mechanical filtration, and by applying heat to drive off volatile
compounds.

Question 12. Define evaporation. Explain any two factors affecting its rate.

Answer:
Evaporation is the surface phenomenon in which the particles at the surface gain enough energy to turn
into vapour.
There is a number of factors that affect the rate of evaporation. 
1. Temperature: The rate of evaporation increases in increasing the temperature of the liquid. When the
temperature of the liquid is increased by heating it, more particles of the liquid get enough kinetic energy
to get into the vapour state. This increases the rate of evaporation. 
2. Humidity of Air: When the humidity of air is low then the rate of evaporation is high and water
evaporated more readily. The wet clothes dry quickly under the conditions of low humidity of air this is
because when the humidity is low, the amount of water vapour present in the air is small. 

Value Based Question (VBQs)

Question 1. Some shopkeepers mix many cheap and harmful substances in the food materials.
This process is called adulteration. Anybody who are involved in such kind of illegal practices
are liable for imprisonment.
(a) Why shopkeepers mix cheap and harmful substances in food materials?
(b) How will you separate impurities from grains and pulses?
(c) What values of shopkeepers are shown here?

Answer:
(a) Shopkeepers add these undesirable substances to increase the quantity of the food materials and thus
their profit.
(b) Through handpicking.
(c) Shopkeepers observing such practices are greedy, self-centred, criminal-minded and soulless.

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Question 2. There were guests at Sonam’s house. Sonam thought of making lemonade for
them. She dissolved sugar in chilled water and observe that sugar was taking long time to
dissolve. Meanwhile, Sonam’s mother came and asked her to transfer the upper chilled water
in another container and then add water at normal temperature to this sugar settled at
bottom.
Sonam then found it easy to dissolve the sugar for lemonade.
(a) What is saturated solution?
(b) What is the effect of temperature on the capacity of water in dissolving substances?
(c) What will happen if we cool a supersaturated solution?
(d) What value of Sonam is shown here?

Answer:
(a) A saturated solution is the solution which cannot dissolve any more solute in it at a given temperature.
(b) With increase in temperature solubility of a substance increases in water and vice versa.
(c) When a supersaturated solution is cooled, it forms crystals of the salt. This process is known as
crystallization.
(d) Sonam is a good host, learner, helpful girl.

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