Question

How would you separate the components of the mixture of sugar and sand. Would your method result in physical or chemical changes?

Answer 1

Hint: The mixture of sand and sugar can be separated using water and the factor which decides the separation is the solubility of both the components in the water. There is only one method for this separation and that is a physical method.

Complete answer:
To separate the mixture of components of sugar and sand, we have to take the third component i.e., water. So, the mixture of sand and sugar can be separated using water, and the factor which decides the separation is the solubility of both the components in the water. The sugar can dissolve in water but the same is insoluble in water.
So, when we add water to the mixture of sand and sugar, the sugar will start to dissolve and the sand will settle down forming a separate layer. Shake the mixture until all the sugar will dissolve. Now, carefully transfer all the water having sugar to another beaker without transferring the sand layer. This step is called decantation.
Now, wash the sand with water once and dry it and you will get the sand. Take the solution of water having the sugar and heat it until all the water will evaporate and only the sugar is left behind. This will give the sugar.
Since in this process, there is no formation of products, so there is no chemical change. There is the only physical change in this process.

Note:
There are many components that are not soluble in water but are soluble in other solvents, so we can use other solvents also. If there is a formation of products from the reactants then the process will have a chemical change.