Decanting Original Scenario-Based Practice

Questions

1. 1.

   During an expedition across the obsidian dunes of Kepler-62f, a planetary geologist collects a sample of heavy, insoluble stardust minerals suspended in liquid methane. After letting the flask rest undisturbed on a workbench, the dense mineral grains settle completely to the bottom, leaving a clear layer of liquid methane above. Which technique should the geologist use to separate the bulk of the liquid by carefully pouring it into a second vessel without disturbing the settled sediment, and what fundamental property makes this technique effective?

   • A) Filtration, because the liquid vaporizes before passing through a porous membrane.
   • B) Decantation, because the dense, insoluble particles settle out and allow the upper liquid layer to be poured off.
   • C) Evaporation, because the insoluble mineral grains boil at a lower temperature than the solvent.
   • D) Centrifugation alone, because both components form a homogeneous solution with identical densities.

Answers and step-by-step solutions appear after you finish the test.