CHAPTER
3
Separating
Mixtures
KEY QUESTION: How can
we separate the components
of a mechanical mixture or
solution?
Looking Ahead
The skills of scientific inquiry can be used
to learn about methods of separating
different mixtures.
Mechanical mixtures can be separated into
their components using methods such as
sorting, floating, settling, attracting with a
magnet, sieving, and filtering.
Separating waste mixtures into their
components protects the environment from
toxins and allows valuable components to
be reused.
Solutions can be separated into their
components using methods such as
evaporation and distillation.
Investigation skills can be used to determine
the best method to separate mixtures.
Many industries separate mixtures when
making products.
VOCABULARY
sorting
sewage
floating
evaporate
settling
evaporation
sieve
distillation
sieving
electric generator
filter
radioactive
filtration
nuclear energy
dissolving
54 Chapter 3 • Separating Mixtures
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