Filtration Method
Filtration is a physical separation method used to separate solid particles from liquids or gases using a filter medium that allows only the fluid to pass through. Let’s analyze each mixture to determine which can be effectively separated by filtration.
1. Salt Dissolved in Water
- Salt (sodium chloride) is fully dissolved in water, forming a homogeneous solution.
- Filtration cannot separate dissolved salt from water as it passes through the filter paper along with water.
2. Sugar Dissolved in Water
- Similar to salt, sugar is also soluble in water, creating a homogeneous solution.
- Filtration will not work here either, as both sugar and water will pass through the filter.
3. Muddy Water
- Muddy water contains solid particles (mud) suspended in water, making it a heterogeneous mixture.
- Filtration is effective here; the filter paper will trap the solid particles while allowing the clear water to pass through.
4. Alcohol in Water
- Alcohol (ethanol) and water form a homogeneous mixture upon mixing.
- Filtration cannot separate alcohol from water since both components will flow through the filter together.
Conclusion
- Among the given mixtures, only muddy water can be separated using filtration.
- The other mixtures (salt dissolved in water, sugar dissolved in water, and alcohol in water) are homogeneous solutions and cannot be separated by this method.