Separating Mixtures: Filtration

Filtration is used to separate an insoluble solid from a pure liquid or a solution.
Filtration usually involves using a circle of filter paper.

Method

• Get a sample of the solution to be filtered e.g. sand and water. This is an insoluble solution meaning the solute cannot dissolve in the solvent.
• Identify the solute and solvent. 
• Solute - sand
  
• Solvent - water
  
• Place a funnel over a conical flask and insert a circle of filter paper into the funnel.
  
• Pour your sample into the funnel.
  
• Only water passes through and the sand remains suspended in the filter paper.
  
• The water is now known as the filtrate and the sand is referred to as the residue.