Methods of Separation in Everyday Life

Class 06 Science

The method of picking by hand from a mixture (when two or more substances are mixed) such as small stones and husk from wheat and rice is called handpicking.

It is done on the basis of differences in size, colour and shape of the particles. If the particles to be removed are present in small quantities and can easily be picked by hand, handpicking proves to be a convenient method.

The process of separating grains from the stalks is known as threshing. The separated grains get mixed with piles of husk.

The method of separating heavier and lighter components of a mixture by wind or by blowing air is called winnowing.

Sieving allows the fine flour particles to pass through the holes of the sieve. The bigger particles such as bran and small stones remain on the sieve.

The process of settling down of heavier insoluble component at the bottom of a liquid is called sedimentation. When the water (liquid) is removed by tilting the vessel, the process is called decantation.

The process of separating tea leaves from tea is called filtration.

The substances which are attracted towards a magnet are called magnetic substances. Iron is a common example of a magnetic substance. Separation of magnetic and non-magnetic substances by using a magnet is called magnetic separation.