Suggest separation technique(s) one would need to employ to separate the following mixtures.
(a) Mercury and water
(b) Potassium chloride and ammonium chloride
(c) Common salt, water and sand
(d) Kerosene oil, water and salt
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Answers are a) decantation, b) Sublimation, c) Filtration and evaporation, d) decantation and evaporation
Explanation
a) Decantation method is used to separate the mixture of Mercury and water. Here Mercury is heavier than water hence it forms a separate layer which can be easily separated in a separating funnel.

b) Potassium chloride and ammonium chloride are separated by sublimation method because ammonium chloride is a sublimate, sublimes leaving behind the potassium chloride.


c) Common salt, water and sand are separated by filtration and evaporation processes. Common salt, water and sand are filtrated to separate the sand from the salt solution. Then, salt solution is heated to evaporate the water leaving behind salt.

(d) Kerosene is separated from salt solution in water by decantation using a separating funnel. Kerosene being heavier, forms a separate layer. Salt from water is further removed by evaporation.
