Which separation method is better suited for separating a solution of sugar and water into pure substances, filtration or distillation?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Distillation is better suited for separating a solution of sugar and water into pure substances. This is because filtration cannot separate dissolved sugar molecules from water, while distillation separates the components based on their differences in boiling points, leaving sugar as a solid residue and water as a collected vapor.

Step by step solution

01

Understand Filtration and Distillation

Filtration is a process in which a liquid mixture is passed through a filter, a permeable material that separates solid particles from the liquid. Distillation is a process where a liquid mixture is heated and the vapor that forms is collected, separating the components based on differences in boiling points.
02

Analyze the Properties of Sugar and Water

In a solution of sugar and water, sugar is dissolved in water, meaning that both components are present as molecules. Sugar is a non-volatile, soluble substance, while water is a volatile liquid with a specific boiling point.
03

Evaluate Filtration for Separating Sugar and Water

Since sugar dissolves in water and there are no solid particles, filtration will not be effective in separating the components. The filter would not be able to retain the dissolved sugar molecules and they would pass through with the water.
04

Evaluate Distillation for Separating Sugar and Water

Distillation relies on the difference in boiling points of the components in a mixture. When the solution is heated, water will evaporate first as it has a lower boiling point than sugar. This evaporation will leave sugar behind as a solid residue while the water vapor can be collected and condensed back into liquid form.
05

Determine the Best Separation Method

By comparing the effectiveness of the two methods, distillation is better suited for separating a solution of sugar and water into pure substances, because filtration cannot separate dissolved sugar molecules from water while distillation can, due to the differences in boiling points of these substances.

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