Table sugar can be separated from a mixture of table sugar and sand at STP by adding which of the following substances?

• A. vegetable oil
• B. water
• C. hydrochloric acid
• D. ethanol

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the physical properties of the substances involved: table sugar (sucrose) is soluble in water, while sand is not soluble in water.
2. Recall that solubility is the ability of a substance to dissolve in a solvent, forming a homogeneous solution.
3. Consider each option as a potential solvent: vegetable oil, water, hydrochloric acid, and ethanol, and evaluate their ability to dissolve sugar.
4. Recognize that water is a polar solvent and can dissolve polar substances like sugar effectively, whereas sand remains insoluble and will not dissolve.
5. Conclude that adding water to the mixture will dissolve the sugar, allowing it to be separated from the sand by filtration or decantation.