In this experiment, different methods for the physical separation of a mixture were explored. Magnetism, sublimation and recrystallization, density separation, filtration, and evaporation were all used to separate a mixture, and different pieces of lab equipment were used in order to learn and get accustomed with them. An important component of the mixture was iodine, an element used to sterilize areas in preparation for surgeries. Other components of the mixture included sand, salt, poppy seeds, and iron filings. Extracting all of these components was done in a specific order, and the results depended on this order. The iron in the mixture was magnetic, which led to our conclusion that magnetism would be the best and most effective way to …show more content…
Firstly, the use of coffee filters instead of chemistry grade filters may have contaminated the salt in the mixture, some iodine and sand may have gotten through, making the sand a duller white than what it should’ve been. Another source of error may have been related to the sublimation and recrystallization of the iodine. If all of the iodine was not sublimed, and there was still some purple vapor that me and my partner may not have noticed, the sand may have been stained slightly yellow, which would have affected its purity and color. Another source of error may have been that some saltwater mixture dripped through the filter onto the lab table, this may have meant that all salt was not extracted from the mixture. Some possible improvements that could have improved the results include using chemistry grade filters, and shaking the beaker to make sure that all iodine had been sublimed. This would have ensured that all elements were extracted as purely and cleanly as possible. The lab definitely aided in helping me and my partner in learning how to use lab equipment and different methods of physical separation for a heterogenous mixture, which we both found would be helpful knowledge for future