The separation technique, magnetic separation is used to separate a solid-solid mixture. But WHAT IS A SOLID-SOLID MIXTURE ? It is a mixture made up of solids that are physically combined. Like..

SULFUR & IRON FILLINGS

The iron fillings are magnetic. That is why a magnet is used to separate the mixture. Want to know how?

Here are the steps !

1. Grab a magnet and hold it above the mixture to attract the iron fillings.

2. Gather the extracted iron fillings in another container.

3. Use the magnet again on the newly gathered iron fillings in the container to ensure that we obtain pure iron fillings only.

4. And woila ! We've separated the mixture !

What have we obtained ?

When the magnet was moved through the mixture, it attracted the iron filling but not the sand. This is how magnetic separation is used to separate mixtures.

Here is also a video with directions for separating iron filings and sand !http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=anaCLlmBSzg

Magnetic separation is also used in the real world.

Watch this video to learn more !

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_3BT86WfyAI&feature=related

REFLECTION !

I think magnetic separation is a very handy technique ! Imagine accidentally mixing iodine and sand. Everyones first reaction would be 'Oh no! How on earth am I to separate these now? Might as well buy a new one.' . But with this technique, we can separate the mixture faster than you can say butterscotch !