Which separation technique is most appropriate for separating a colloid formed by two liquids?

• A. Filtration
• B. Centrifugation
• C. Evaporation
• D. Distillation

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the nature of a colloid: it is a mixture where tiny particles of one liquid are dispersed throughout another liquid, and these particles do not settle out easily due to their small size.
2. Evaluate filtration: since colloidal particles are very small and do not settle, they typically pass through filter paper, making filtration ineffective for separating colloids.
3. Consider evaporation: this technique removes a solvent by turning it into vapor, but it does not separate the dispersed colloidal particles from the liquid effectively.
4. Analyze distillation: this method separates components based on differences in boiling points, but in a colloid, the dispersed particles are not separate liquid phases with distinct boiling points.
5. Recognize centrifugation as the best technique: by spinning the mixture at high speeds, centrifugation forces the denser colloidal particles to settle out, effectively separating the two liquids in the colloid.