Which process is most effective for separating sodium chloride from a saltwater solution?

• A. Chromatography
• B. Distillation
• C. Filtration
• D. Floatation

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the nature of the mixture. A saltwater solution is a homogeneous mixture where sodium chloride (NaCl) is dissolved in water, forming a true solution.
2. Step 2: Consider the separation methods listed: Chromatography, Distillation, Filtration, and Floatation. Each method works best for different types of mixtures.
3. Step 3: Filtration is effective for separating solids from liquids when the solid is not dissolved, but since NaCl is dissolved, filtration will not separate it.
4. Step 4: Chromatography separates components based on their movement through a medium, typically used for complex mixtures of different molecules, not for separating dissolved salt from water.
5. Step 5: Distillation separates substances based on differences in boiling points. Since water and NaCl have very different boiling points (water boils at 100°C, NaCl has a much higher boiling point), distillation can evaporate water and leave salt behind, effectively separating them.