Mixtures - Types and Separation

Core concept

The method used to separate a mixture depends on the properties of its components — magnetic separation works for mixing magnetic materials like iron filings with non-magnetic ones like sand; filtration separates insoluble solids from liquids; and distillation separates a homogeneous mixture like saltwater into its pure components. Unlike compounds, mixtures do not have a fixed composition — you can mix salt and water in varying proportions and still have 'salt water,' just more or less concentrated.