Seperating Mixtures, changes in Weight

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the separation of a sand/salt mixture, starting with a total weight of 10.00 g. Participants calculated the percentages of sand and salt based on two methods: using the sand result (4.52 g sand leading to 5.48 g salt) and the salt result (5.9 g salt leading to 4.1 g sand). The discrepancy in the total weight post-separation is attributed to potential human error in measurements and the separation process itself, which may involve loss of material or absorption of moisture.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic chemistry concepts, specifically mixtures and separation techniques.
  • Familiarity with mass conservation principles in chemical reactions.
  • Basic arithmetic skills for percentage calculations.
  • Knowledge of common laboratory measurement techniques and their potential errors.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research methods for accurately measuring mass in laboratory settings.
  • Learn about common separation techniques such as filtration and evaporation.
  • Study the principles of mass conservation in physical and chemical processes.
  • Explore common sources of error in experimental measurements and how to mitigate them.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for students studying chemistry, particularly those learning about mixtures and separation methods, as well as educators looking for insights into common student misconceptions regarding mass conservation.

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Homework Statement


You start with 10.00 g of sand/salt mixture. suppose you end up with 4.52g of sand and 5.9g of salt.

a) calculate the % sand and salt based only on the sand result: "4.52 g sand means there must have been 5.48g of salt"

b) do the same using only the salt result: "5.9g salt means there must be 4.1g of sand"

c) suggest some likely reasons why your total is not the 10.00g you started with

Homework Equations



I've figured out part a) and b) with relative ease, but i don't even know where to begin with part c.

The Attempt at a Solution


one reason could just be human error in measurements, but i don't think that's what my teachers looking for. That is as far as I've gotten.
Perhaps there is some reason why the overall weight of two substances would increase after they are separated?
 
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You may want to think along the lines of the separating process i.e. how are they separated.
 

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