Chemistry 2009 JAMB Past Questions - Question 1: A mixture of sugar and sulphur can be separated by

Correct Answer

C

Explanation

A mixture of sugar and sulfur can be separated by **dissolving it in a solvent and then using filtration**. Here's why:

* **Solubility:** Sugar (sucrose) is highly soluble in water, while sulfur is practically insoluble. Therefore, when the mixture is dissolved in water, the sugar will dissolve, forming a sugar solution, while the sulfur will remain undissolved as solid particles.
* **Filtration:** By passing the sugar solution through a filter paper, the solid sulfur particles are trapped on the filter, while the sugar solution passes through.
* **Evaporation:** Finally, the sugar solution can be evaporated (e.g., by heating) to remove the water, leaving behind pure sugar crystals.

**Alternative methods:**

* **Sublimation:** Sulfur sublimes at a relatively low temperature. If the mixture is heated gently, the sulfur will convert directly from a solid to a gas and can be collected separately, leaving behind pure sugar. This method is less practical than filtration, however.
* **Centrifugation:** In industrial settings, centrifugation can be used to separate the two components based on their different densities.

Therefore, the most common and practical method for separating a mixture of sugar and sulfur is **dissolving in water followed by filtration and evaporation**. This method utilizes the difference in solubility of the two components, making it an efficient and selective separation technique.