Why is the process of evaporation useful for separating a solid from a liquid mixture?
Answer
Evaporation removes the liquid as vapor while leaving the solid behind, allowing the solid to be recovered cleanly.
The correct answer is Evaporation removes the liquid as vapor while leaving the solid behind, allowing the solid to be recovered cleanly. — Provide a short, clear rationale for the usefulness of the process.
Step-by-step solution
- Explain that heating causes the liquid to change phase to vapor.
- Describe that the solid does not change phase and remains in the beaker.
- State that after the liquid has vaporised, the solid can be collected without contamination.
- Conclude that evaporation provides a clean separation of solid and liquid.
- Provide a short, clear rationale for the usefulness of the process.
Common mistake: Believing evaporation alters the solid's composition
Concept tested: Solid–liquid separation by phase change
Published · How this solution was prepared and checked
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