Mango and water form a heterogeneous mixture. This mixture can be separated by
A. Decantation
B. Distillation
C. Evaporation
D. Hand picking
The correct answer and explanation is:
Correct Answer: D. Hand picking
A heterogeneous mixture is a mixture in which the components are not uniformly distributed and can often be seen as separate parts. Mango pieces in water clearly form such a mixture because the mango pieces do not dissolve in the water. Instead, they remain as visible solid chunks suspended or floating in the liquid.
The best method to separate such a mixture is hand picking. Hand picking is a simple physical separation technique used when the components of a mixture are large enough to be seen and handled easily. In this case, since mango chunks are visibly distinct from the water and large enough to be grasped, they can be manually picked out one by one.
Other methods listed in the question are not suitable:
- Decantation is used to separate a liquid from a heavier solid that has settled at the bottom of a container. Mango pieces usually float or remain suspended, not settle, making decantation less effective.
- Distillation is used for separating a mixture based on different boiling points, such as separating alcohol from water. Since mango is a solid, and not dissolved uniformly, this method is unnecessary and inefficient for this kind of separation.
- Evaporation is best for separating a solid that is dissolved in a liquid, such as salt in water. Since mango does not dissolve in water, this method would not effectively recover the mango pieces.
Therefore, hand picking is the most suitable and practical method for separating mango pieces from water in this heterogeneous mixture. This technique is not only straightforward but also does not require any special equipment, making it ideal for such visible and easily removable components.