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Question

Difficulty: MediumSublimation, Magnetization, and Centrifugation

Match each mixture or suspension to the physical separation technique best suited for isolating its components.

  • A dry solid mixture of ammonium chloride (NH4Cl\text{NH}_4\text{Cl}) and sodium chloride (NaCl\text{NaCl})Sublimation
  • A dry mixture of powdered sulfur and iron filingsMagnetization
  • A fine suspension of red blood cells in liquid blood plasmaCentrifugation

Answer

Ammonium chloride and sodium chloride are separated by sublimation; sulfur and iron filings are separated by magnetization; red blood cells in plasma are separated by centrifugation.
Each mixture matches its technique based on fundamental physical characteristics: ammonium chloride sublimes readily upon heating; iron is attracted to magnets; suspended blood cells require high-speed centrifugal acceleration to separate from plasma.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the key physical property difference in the solid mixture of ammonium chloride and sodium chloride.
Ammonium chloride is a sublimable solid, whereas sodium chloride is thermally stable and non-volatile at gentle heating temperatures.
Sublimation vaporizes ammonium chloride directly into gas, which condenses on a cool surface while sodium chloride remains behind.
2
Analyze the magnetic properties of sulfur and iron filings.
Iron is strongly magnetic (ferromagnetic) while sulfur is non-magnetic.
Applying a magnetic field pulls the iron particles out of the mixture cleanly.
3
Determine the appropriate method for separating solid blood cells from liquid blood plasma.
Blood cells exist as a fine suspension of particles with subtle density differences relative to plasma, which settle too slowly under normal gravity.
Centrifugation applies high rotational speed to force dense suspended cells to the bottom of the container rapidly.

Key Concept

Selecting separation techniques based on physical properties (sublimability, magnetism, and particle density in suspension)
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Topics

Sublimation, Magnetization, and Centrifugation