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MSH Practical Laboratory Series
Lab 3: Separation of Sand, Salt and Water
Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry 0620
Printable Student Worksheet
Paper 5 / Paper 6 Skills
Topic: 12.4 Separation and Purification | Student printable version
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Aim

To complete a practical investigation linked to 12.4 Separation and Purification and develop IGCSE practical skills in observation, measurement, recording, analysis and evaluation.

Learning Objectives

Apparatus and Chemicals

Safety:

Risk Assessment Summary

Possible hazardSafety precautionEmergency response
Chemicals may irritate skin or eyes.Wear eye protection; avoid direct contact; use small quantities.Rinse affected area with plenty of water and inform the teacher.
Glassware, hot apparatus or flames may cause injury.Handle apparatus carefully; use test-tube holders; keep bags away from benches.Report breakages, burns or spills immediately.

Paper 5 / Paper 6 Practical Skills Checklist

I selected and used suitable apparatus safely.
I recorded observations and measurements clearly.
I used correct units and table headings.
I identified variables where appropriate.
I processed data or drew conclusions from evidence.
I evaluated the method and suggested improvements.

Method

  1. Add water to the sand and salt mixture and stir.
  2. Filter the mixture into a clean beaker.
  3. Keep the residue and filtrate separate.
  4. Rinse the residue with a small amount of water.
  5. Heat the filtrate gently until crystals begin to form.
  6. Leave the solution to cool and crystallise.
  7. Record the appearance of the separated substances.

Results

StageSubstance collectedObservation
After filtration
After evaporation/crystallisation

Additional observations:

Analysis Questions

  1. Which substance was insoluble in water?
  2. What passed through the filter paper?
  3. Why was water added to the mixture?
  4. Why should the filtrate not be heated too strongly at the end?

Claim-Evidence-Reasoning (CER)

Claim: What happened?Evidence: What data/observations support this?Reasoning: What chemistry explains it?

Conclusion

Explain how the mixture was separated and name each technique used.

Evaluation

Identify one source of error and one improvement to the method.

Source of errorImprovement

Extension / Challenge

Suggest how you could check whether the salt crystals are pure.

Teacher Assessment (30 Marks Total)

CriterionMarks
Planning & Organisation5
Data Collection & Observations5
Processing & Analysis10
Evaluation & Improvements5
Conclusion5
Total30

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