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2024 O Level Chem P1 Q3 — Separation Techniques Solution

Separation Techniques 2024 O Level Pure Chemistry · Paper 1 · Q3

Question

A solid mixture contains magnesium sulfate, MgSO₄, and sand. Which sequence allows pure magnesium sulfate crystals to be separated from the solid mixture?
  1. Aadd water → filter → evaporate filtrate to dryness
  2. Badd water → filter → evaporate filtrate to saturation → cool to give crystals
  3. Cadd water → heat → filter → evaporate filtrate to dryness
  4. Dadd water → heat → filter → evaporate filtrate to saturation → cool to give crystals
Correct answer: B

Video Solution

Explanation

Answer: B. \(\text{MgSO}_4\) is soluble in water; sand is not. Adding water dissolves the magnesium sulfate, and filtering separates the sand. Heating during dissolution isn't needed at room temperature.

The filtrate must then be evaporated to saturation and cooled — not to dryness. Magnesium sulfate crystallises as a hydrate (\(\text{MgSO}_4 \cdot 7\text{H}_2\text{O}\)). Evaporating to dryness drives off the water of crystallisation and destroys the hydrated crystal structure, leaving an anhydrous powder rather than the proper crystals.

Options A and C evaporate to dryness. Option D unnecessarily heats during dissolution.

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