Filtration and crystallisation
Learn more on filtration, evaporation and crystallisation in this podcast.
Listen to the full series on 91热爆 Sounds.
Filtration
filtrationMethod used to separate an insoluble solid from a liquid using a physical barrier such as paper. is used to separate an insolubleUnable to dissolve in a particular solvent. For example, sand is insoluble in water. solid from a liquid. It is useful for separating sand from a mixture of sand and water, or excessIn chemistry, a substance is in excess if there is more than enough of it to react with another reactant. reactantA substance that reacts together with another substance to form products during a chemical reaction. from a solutionMixture formed by a solute and a solvent..
Filtration works because the filter paper has tiny holes, or pores, in it. These are large enough to let small moleculeA collection of two or more atoms held together by chemical bonds. and dissolvedA substance is said to be dissolved when it breaks up and mixes completely with a solvent to produce a solution. ionElectrically charged particle, formed when an atom or molecule gains or loses electrons. through, but not the much larger particles of undissolved solid.
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Crystallisation
crystallisationThe process of producing crystals from a solution by evaporating the solvent. is used to produce solid crystalA solid containing particles (atoms, molecules or ions) joined together to form a regular arrangement or repeating pattern. from a solution. When the solution is warmed, some of the solventThe liquid in which the solute dissolves to form a solution. evaporationThe process in which a liquid changes state and turns into a gas. leaving behind a more concentrated solution.
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To obtain large, regularly shaped crystals:
- put the solution in an evaporating basin
- warm the solution by placing the evaporating basin over a boiling water bath
- stop heating before all the solvent has evaporated
After the remaining solution has cooled down, pour the excess liquid away (or filter it). Dry the crystals using a warm oven or in air.