Separation of Substances (Handpicking, Filtration & Evaporation)

In our daily life, we often find mixtures of different substances. To make them useful, we need to separate one substance from another. This process is called Separation of Substances.

In Class 6 Chemistry, we study some simple and commonly used separation methods such as Handpicking, Filtration, and Evaporation.

1. Handpicking

Handpicking is the simplest method of separation. In this method, unwanted particles are picked by hand from a mixture.

When is Handpicking Used?

• When the impurities are large in size
• When the quantity of impurities is small
• When the substances can be easily seen

Examples:

• Removing stones from rice or pulses
• Picking rotten fruits from fresh fruits
• Removing plastic pieces from grains

Note: Handpicking is not suitable for very small or dissolved impurities.

2. Filtration

Filtration is a method used to separate an insoluble solid from a liquid using a filter paper or cloth.

The solid that remains on the filter paper is called Residue, and the liquid that passes through it is called Filtrate.

Steps of Filtration

• A filter paper or cloth is placed in a funnel
• The mixture is poured into the funnel
• The liquid passes through, leaving solid behind

Examples:

• Separating tea leaves from tea using a strainer
• Removing sand from water
• Filtering muddy water

Important: Filtration works only when the solid does not dissolve in the liquid.

3. Evaporation

Evaporation is the process in which a liquid changes into vapor to leave behind a solid substance.

This method is mainly used to separate a dissolved solid from a liquid.

How Evaporation Works

• The solution is heated or kept in the open air
• The liquid slowly turns into vapor
• The solid remains behind

Examples:

• Obtaining salt from seawater
• Drying wet clothes
• Recovering sugar from sugar solution

Fact: Evaporation happens faster in hot weather and windy conditions.

Conclusion

Separation of substances helps us obtain useful materials from mixtures. Methods like handpicking, filtration, and evaporation are easy, economical, and widely used in daily life.

Understanding these methods helps students learn how science is applied in real life.