Question

A mixture contains tiny particles of three different substances X, Y, Z. They are of the same size, shape and color. X particles are heavy, insoluble and non-magnetic. Y particles are very light, insoluble and non-magnetic. Z particles are heavy and magnetic. Which of the following methods can be used to separate X, Y, Z?
A. Winnowing- Magnetic separation
B. Magnetic separation-winnowing
C. Sieving-magnetic separation- filtration
D. Handpicking-sublimation-sieving.

Answer 1

In such a type of question, move step by step to the final answer. Since, there are three particles X, Y, Z. firstly we will separate X, Y and then will separate Z from both using suitable processes. Each separation technique has few characteristics linked with it and we need to just identify them.

Complete step-by-step answer: The following data is given to us in the question.
Particle X= heavy, insoluble and non-magnetic
Particle Y= light, insoluble and non-magnetic
Particle Z= heavy and magnetic
Firstly, let us separate X and Y. from the given data we can see that Particle X is heavy and particle Y is light. So, we need to use such a process which separates lighter and denser particles.
We know that whenever a heavy or denser particle needs to be separated from a lighter particle, we use the process of Winnowing.
Winnowing is the process in which an air current is blown through a mixture of lighter and denser particles. As a result, the lighter particles blow away and the denser particles directly fall on the ground.
So, when winnowing is carried between X and Y, Y being light will blow a few centimeters away and X being heavy will just settle down.
Now we need to separate Z from X and Y. we know from the given data that Z is magnetic in nature, while X and Y are non-magnetic in nature. So, from here we get a hint that we should use magnetic separation to separate them.
In magnetic separation components of mixtures are separated by using magnets to attract magnetic materials. This separates the magnetic and non-magnetic material.
So, Winnowing followed by magnetic separation needs to be employed for carrying out the separation of X, Y, Z.

Hence, Correct option is option is A.

Note: The process or methods of separation of different components of a mixture by the physical method is known as the separation of mixtures. The choice of techniques of separating mixture depends upon mixture type and difference in the chemical properties of the components of the mixture.