Separating funnel

Question 1

What shape is the separating funnel?

Answer 1

Cone shape to reduce loss at the liquid interface (conical flask)

Question 2

Liquid with lower density…

Answer 2

floats

Question 3

Liquid with higher density…

Answer 3

sinks

Question 4

How exactly is it separated?

Answer 4

The tap is opened until almost all of the liquid with the higher density has run out. The liquid interface is run into a second flask and discarded, leaving the liquid with the lower density in the funnel.

Question 5

What is a separating funnel used to separate?

Answer 5

To separate a mixture of liquids that are immiscible (they do not mix/ dissolve completely together)

Question 6

What is an example of separating something with the separating funnel?

Answer 6

If a mixture of oils and water is placed in a separating funnel, the oil will float on the water. Opening the tap of the funnel allows the liquid with the higher density (water) to run off into a beaker and be collected