Question

directions: using the physical properties of substances listed in the table below, construct a flow - chart to separate a mixture of water, oil, dirt, and nickel.
substance physical appearance magnet test solubility in water
water clear liquid not magnetic --
vegetable oil pale yellow liquid not magnetic none
nickel grey solid filings magnetic none
dirt dark brown solid not magnetic none
flow chart
mixture of water, vegetable oil, nickel, dirt
**write the separation plan using complete sentences below.

Explanation:

Step1: Separate nickel

Use a magnet to attract the nickel filings as nickel is magnetic while the other substances are not. This will separate the nickel from the rest of the mixture.

Step2: Separate oil

Allow the remaining mixture (water, oil and dirt) to settle. Since oil is less - dense than water and immiscible, it will float on top of the water. Carefully pour off (decant) the oil layer.

Step3: Separate dirt

Filter the remaining mixture of water and dirt through a filter paper. The dirt will be trapped in the filter paper and the water will pass through as the filtrate.

Answer:

First, use a magnet to separate the nickel from the mixture of water, oil, dirt and nickel. Then, let the remaining mixture settle and decant the oil layer. Finally, filter the remaining water - dirt mixture to separate the dirt from the water.