Physical Means of Separating Mixtures

Filtration
Filtration is the process of separating solid and liquid substances by using a porous filter, such as strainer and cloth, that allows the liquid to pass through. This separation technique is used in extracting coconut milk. The grated coconut is mixed with a small amount of hot water. After mixing and squeezing, a strainer or a small piece of clean cloth is used to separate the grated coconut from the coconut milk. The filter (strainer or cloth) has fine holes through which the solid particles cannot pass. The solid substances, in this case, the grated coconut, are collected on the filter.

A filter paper can also be used to separate substances in mixtures. It differs from a strainer because it has smaller holes through which liquids can easily pass. For example, you can use a filter paper to remove fine soil particles from dirty water. The filter paper is placed on the mouth of an open container, usually supported with a funnel, and then the dirty water is poured on it. The water will flow through the filter, leaving the soil particles behind.