Which of the following methods is most effective for separating a saltwater solution into its components?

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

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the nature of the mixture: A saltwater solution is a homogeneous mixture where salt (solute) is dissolved uniformly in water (solvent).
2. Evaluate each separation method based on the physical properties of the components: Filtration separates solids from liquids based on particle size, but salt is dissolved and not a solid, so filtration won't work.
3. Chromatography separates components based on differences in their movement through a medium, typically used for mixtures of different solutes, not for separating a dissolved salt from water.
4. Floatation separates substances based on differences in density and buoyancy, which is effective for immiscible liquids or solids, but not for dissolved salts.
5. Distillation separates components based on differences in boiling points: by heating the saltwater, water vaporizes and can be collected separately, leaving salt behind, making distillation the most effective method.