You can filter iron from sand by using a magnet. This method relies on the property that iron is attracted to a magnet, while sand is not.
Magnetic Separation Method
The process of separating iron filings from sand is a common demonstration of using physical properties to separate mixtures. As described in the provided reference, the key tool for this separation is a magnet.
The principle is straightforward:
- Iron filings possess magnetic properties, meaning they are attracted to magnetic fields.
- Sand, on the other hand, does not have significant magnetic properties.
To perform this separation, you simply use a magnet. According to the reference, when you take the magnet and run it over the mixture of iron filings and sand, all of the iron is attracted to the magnet. The sand, not being magnetic, just stays in the container.
Steps for Separation
Based on the description, the process involves these simple steps:
- Ensure you have a mixture of iron filings and sand in a container.
- Obtain a magnet.
- Take the magnet and run it over the mixture in the container.
- Observe as all of the iron is attracted to the magnet, lifting out of the sand.
- The sand remains behind in the container.
This allows you to effectively separate the magnetic iron particles from the non-magnetic sand.
Behavior of Components
Here's a simple overview of how each component behaves during this process:
| Substance | Magnetic Property | Behavior with Magnet | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iron Filings | Magnetic | Attracted to the magnet | Separated Out |
| Sand | Non-magnetic | Not attracted to the magnet | Left Behind |
This method is efficient for separating magnetic materials like iron from non-magnetic materials in a mixture.
