What is a mixture?
A mixture is made when two or more things are put together. For example, rice mixed with stones, or sand mixed with water. We can separate a mixture to get the parts back. We choose a way that fits the things in the mixture.
Three ways to separate
- Sieving — a sieve has small holes. Small pieces fall through, big pieces stay. We can sieve flour to take out lumps.
- Filtering — a filter lets water pass but keeps solid bits. We can filter muddy water to get clear water.
- Using a magnet — a magnet pulls iron and steel. We can pull iron nails out of a pile of sand.
Example
To take iron pins from sand, move a magnet over the sand. The pins stick to the magnet.
Choose the right way
We pick the way that works. A magnet only helps if one part is iron or steel. Sieving works when the pieces are different sizes. Filtering works to separate solids from water.