During an expedition to an uncharted asteroid, an automated mining droid gathers a dry, powdered mixture containing nickel filings, silicon dioxide dust, and non-magnetic copper granules. To refine the gathered materials without using water or chemical reagents, the droid lowers an electromagnetic probe into the collection hopper. The probe successfully attracts and extracts exactly one component from the loose mixture. Which component is separated by this method, and what fundamental property enables this physical separation?

A) Nickel filings, because nickel exhibits ferromagnetism and is attracted by a magnetic field while the remaining components are not.

B) Silicon dioxide dust, because covalent mineral powders develop an induced magnetic charge when exposed to an electric current.

C) Copper granules, because all metallic elements conduct electricity and are therefore strongly drawn to permanent magnets.

D) Nickel filings, because the magnetic field selectively vaporizes materials with lower melting points to isolate them.

Magnetic separation Original Scenario-Based Practice

Chemistry · Matter · Chemistry · Separation of Mixtures

1 Chemistry practice questions on Magnetic separation. Questions built around original scenarios.

Layout:

Choose how questions appear in the preview and test.

Preview the questions below, then start to answer and see your results.

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

Matter · Chemistry

Choose a topic and keep learning.