Worked example
Dry sand and large pebbles must be separated using their different sizes. Which method fits?
Answer & why
Answer: sieving
A sieve lets small sand grains pass while retaining large pebbles.
Grade 5 · Science
Choose a method to separate a mixture
Use differences in physical properties to select a separation method.
6 authored questions + worked example
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All questions
All 6 authored questions for this skill.
Question 1
Insoluble sand is mixed with water. Which method can retain the sand while water passes through paper?
- filtration
- evaporation
- magnetic separation
- sieving
A hint
List the materials and the property that differs between them.
Answer & why
Answer: filtration
A suitable filter traps the sand particles.
Question 2
Salt is completely dissolved in water. Which method can leave the salt behind as the water leaves as vapor?
- sieving
- evaporation
- filtration
- magnetic separation
A hint
List the materials and the property that differs between them.
Answer & why
Answer: evaporation
Evaporation removes water and leaves the dissolved nonvolatile salt.
Question 3
A mixture contains large dried beans and fine flour. Which size-based method can separate them?
- filtration
- magnetic separation
- evaporation
- sieving
A hint
List the materials and the property that differs between them.
Answer & why
Answer: sieving
A suitable mesh passes flour and retains beans.
Question 4
Muddy water contains suspended solid particles larger than the pores of a paper filter. Which method retains those particles?
- sieving
- evaporation
- filtration
- magnetic separation
A hint
List the materials and the property that differs between them.
Answer & why
Answer: filtration
Particles larger than the filter pores are retained.
Question 5
Dry sand and large pebbles must be separated using their different sizes. Which method fits?
- evaporation
- magnetic separation
- filtration
- sieving
A hint
List the materials and the property that differs between them.
Answer & why
Answer: sieving
A sieve lets small sand grains pass while retaining large pebbles.
Question 6
Iron filings are mixed with dry sand. Which method uses the iron’s attraction to a magnet?
- filtration
- evaporation
- magnetic separation
- sieving
A hint
List the materials and the property that differs between them.
Answer & why
Answer: magnetic separation
A magnet can attract the iron while leaving most sand behind.