Separation of Two Immiscible Liquids

The main aim of this experiment is separation of two immiscible liquids.

Let us understand first what immiscibility is. Immiscibility is the property where two substances are not capable of forming a homogeneous mixture. These components are called “immiscible.” If liquids that do mix together are called “miscible.”

Immiscible liquids are a heterogeneous mixture of those which won’t mix together. Oil and water are the best examples of immiscible liquids. One floats on top of the other.

Example: kerosene (oil) and water.

The separation of two immiscible liquids by a separating funnel depends on the difference in their densities. A less dense liquid floats over a liquid whose density is more.

To perform this experiment, we require apparatus and materials such as a separating funnel (250 mL) with its stop-cock, Beakers (250 mL) and a mixture of two immiscible liquids such as kerosene in water.

Procedure

To separate two immiscible liquids, we have to follow the given procedure

Take a mixture of two immiscible liquids (say water and kerosene) in a separating funnel.
Allow it to stand for some time.
The mixture separates into two liquid layers according to their densities.
Collect the lower layer carefully in a beaker by opening the stop-cock of the separating funnel.
Similarly, collect the upper layer in another beaker.

In this experiment, we conclude that:

A mixture of two immiscible liquids can be separated using a separating funnel.
A separating funnel is a piece of apparatus with a stop-cock at the bottom, which can control the flow of the liquids.
The separation of two immiscible liquids by a separating funnel depends on the difference in their densities.

FAQs on Immiscible Liquids Separation

Two immiscible liquids are separated by_______.

Answer: Separating funnel
Separating immiscible liquids is done simply using a separating funnel. The two immiscible liquids are taken in a separating funnel, and we have to shake the mixture. The mixture is allowed to stand for 30 minutes, and two liquids will be separated out in two separate beakers.

What are the examples of immiscible liquids?

Answer: Immiscible liquids are liquids that won’t mix with each other.
Kerosene and water, oil and water, benzene and water, honey and oil, etc.

What is the difference between homogeneous and heterogeneous mixtures?

Answer: A homogenous mixture is one in which the components combine with each other, and its composition is uniform throughout the solution.
A heterogenous mixture is a mixture in which the composition is not uniform throughout and different components are observed.

True or False

Mixtures of immiscible liquids can only be separated by a separating funnel.
Answer: False
Mixtures of immiscible liquids can be separated by other methods, such as decantation.

True or False

Pure water is denser than seawater.
Answer: False
Seawater is denser than pure water since the salt in the seawater increases the mass of the water per unit volume.