Gravity Filtration: A Chemistry Lab Technique

What is gravity filtration used for?

A. Separating a solid from a liquid

B. Separating two liquids

C. Separating a solid from a gas

D. Separating a gas from a liquid

How do you perform a gravity filtration?

A. Using a Büchner funnel

B. Using a Hirsch funnel

C. Using a glass funnel fitted with a fluted filter paper

D. None of the above

Answer:

Gravity filtration is used for separating a solid from a liquid (Option A).

To perform a gravity filtration, you use a glass funnel fitted with a fluted filter paper (Option C).

Explanation:

Gravity filtration is a common technique used in chemistry labs to separate a mixture of solid and liquid. The liquid passes through the filter paper due to gravity, leaving the solid behind. This method is effective for isolating the solid from the liquid with simple equipment.

When performing gravity filtration, it is important to set up the glass funnel with the fluted filter paper properly. The solid-liquid mixture is poured into the funnel, and the liquid (filtrate) passes through the filter paper under the influence of gravity. The solid remains on the filter paper, allowing for easy separation.

It's essential to remember that gravity filtration is a slower process compared to vacuum filtration, but it can be done with basic lab equipment. Büchner and Hirsch funnels, while commonly used in filtration methods, are typically reserved for vacuum filtration, which requires additional equipment to create a vacuum for faster filtration.

By understanding how to perform gravity filtration correctly, you can effectively separate solids from liquids in a chemistry lab setting.