How can we separate a mixture of iron filings and sodium chloride

1. With a magnet.

2. OR, add H2O, NaCl dissolves, filter to remove the iron (not soluble in water), then evaporate the water to recover the NaCl.

Through magnetism, because it's a mixture of a magnetic substance (iron fillings)and a non-magnetic substance (NaCl sln), Evaporation is only used to separate a mixture of a liquid (for example water) and a soluble solid substance (e.g. NaCl)

You are correct, evaporation cannot be used to separate the mixture of iron filings and sodium chloride. Using a magnet is the most efficient method to separate these two substances since iron filings are magnetic but sodium chloride is not. The mixture can be placed in a container, and a magnet can be passed over it to attract the iron filings, leaving behind the sodium chloride.

To separate a mixture of iron filings and sodium chloride, you can use the following procedure:

1. Use a magnet: Iron filings are magnetic, so you can use a magnet to separate them from the sodium chloride.

- Move a strong magnet along the mixture.
- The magnet will attract and pull the iron filings towards it, leaving behind the sodium chloride.

2. Dissolve the sodium chloride: To separate the remaining sodium chloride from the iron filings, you can dissolve the sodium chloride in water and then use filtration or evaporation.

- Add water to the mixture and stir well.
- The sodium chloride will dissolve in the water, while the iron filings remain unaffected.
- Note: Sodium chloride is highly soluble in water, whereas iron filings are insoluble.

3. Filtration: After dissolving the sodium chloride, you can perform filtration to separate the insoluble iron filings.

- Set up a filter paper or funnel over a container.
- Pour the mixture through the filter paper or funnel.
- The filter paper will trap the iron filings, while the sodium chloride solution passes through as filtrate.

4. Evaporation: Alternatively, you can use evaporation to separate the sodium chloride from the water.

- Pour the sodium chloride solution into a shallow container.
- Apply heat, such as using a Bunsen burner or a hot plate.
- The water will evaporate, leaving behind the sodium chloride crystals.

Now you have successfully separated the iron filings from the sodium chloride by using the methods of magnetic attraction and either filtration or evaporation.