In a waste bucket from an automobile repair shop there is a mixture of
automobile oil, sand, small plastic fasteners, water, and shavings from meta
brake pads. This waste has to be separated and recycled properly. The
physical properties of water and motor oil are that oil is not water soluble
and that it is lighter than water. Because this is a virtual lab, you may use
any equipment you want.
To separate and recycle the mixture in the waste bucket, we can utilize the following steps:
1. First, we need to separate the large pieces or substances from the mixture. This can be done by using a sieve or a strainer. Pour the mixture into the sieve or strainer, and the sand, small plastic fasteners, and shavings from the brake pads will be retained while allowing the liquids to pass through.
2. Next, since we have a mixture of water and motor oil, we can take advantage of the difference in their densities. To separate the two liquids, we can use the process of decantation. Allow the mixture to settle undisturbed for some time to facilitate the separation based on density. The motor oil, being lighter than water, will float on top, while the water will settle at the bottom. Carefully pour off the motor oil into a separate container, taking care not to disturb the water layer.
3. To recover the water from the decantation process, we can employ a process called evaporation. Transfer the water to a heat-resistant container and heat it gently over a heat source such as a Bunsen burner or electric hot plate. As the water evaporates, it will turn into steam and rise, leaving behind any impurities or contaminants in the container. Allow the steam to cool and condense back into water by using a condenser or simply collecting it in a separate container.
4. Now that we have separated the sand, plastic fasteners, motor oil, and water, we can ensure proper recycling or disposal of each component. The sand can be reused in construction or landscaping projects, the plastic fasteners can be sent for plastic recycling, the motor oil can be taken to an authorized collection point for recycling, and the water can be used for other non-potable purposes if it is free from contaminants.
Remember, while performing these steps in a virtual lab, you can simulate the process using appropriate virtual lab equipment or software specifically designed for this purpose.