Mixture- a blend of two or more kinds of matter, each of which retains its own identity and properties

We can separate the components of a mixture by using their characteristic properties

Decanting means you are pouring off a liquid without disturbing the sediment or other liquid layers.

You usually use it to separate solids from liquids, but it can be used to separate two liquids.

When decanting solids from liquids, pour out the liquid into another beaker.

Always use a glass stirring rod or a similar apparatus to (a) help keep the solid from pouring out and (b) to allow the liquid to run down it and keep from splashing

Evaporation can be used to separate a solid from a liquid in a homogeneous solution

The solution is heated until all of the liquid evaporates and only the solid is left behind

Two substances can be separated by their magnetic properties if one substance is magnetic and the other is not

The magnet will then attract one substance but not the other

A filter is a membrane or layer than allows some substances to pass through while blocking others

You use to separate insoluble solids from liquids

The most common type of filtration is gravity filtration

Distillation is a technique used to separate two liquids with different boiling points

When the first liquid starts to boil, it evaporates and reaches the condenser

Water runs along the outside of the condenser, cooling the vapor allowing it to return to the liquid state and be collected at the other end

Chromatography is used to separate the components of a solution (homogeneous mixture)

A sample of the mixture is placed a little past one end of the chromatography surface (often, paper)

The end with the sample is placed in another liquid (solvent)

The solvent will be absorbed and travel up the chromatography surface bringing the mixture with it

Different components of the mixture will travel different lengths up the chromatography surface