Examkin

Question

Difficulty: MediumSublimation, Magnetization, and Centrifugation

Which physical method is most suitable for separating tiny solid precipitate particles or fat globules suspended in a liquid medium when ordinary filtration is ineffective because the particles clog or pass through filter paper pores?

  1. CentrifugationAnswer
  2. B
    Sublimation
  3. C
    Magnetization
  4. D
    Fractional distillation

Answer

Centrifugation is the correct method because it relies on spinning at high speeds to force denser suspended particles or lighter liquid droplets to separate according to their density.
Centrifugation spins the suspension at high velocities, subjecting the particles to centrifugal force that sediment them according to their density, making it ideal for fine suspensions or emulsions where filtration fails.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the physical state and nature of the mixture
The mixture consists of fine solid particles or fat globules suspended in a liquid medium that cannot be trapped by filter paper.
Filtration relies on pore size relative to particle size, which fails when particles are colloidal or microscopic.
2
Evaluate the mechanism of centrifugation
High-speed spinning creates centrifugal acceleration, pulling denser particles outward/downward and forcing lighter components upward.
Centrifugation accelerates gravity-based sedimentation for fine suspensions.

Key Concept

Centrifugation as a physical separation technique based on density and particle sedimentation under centrifugal force
Rate this question

Topics

Sublimation, Magnetization, and Centrifugation