In a laboratory experiment involving both filtration and evaporation, what is the primary reason a filter system is used?

• A. To remove dissolved ions from the solution
• B. To increase the rate of evaporation of the solvent
• C. To concentrate the solution by removing water
• D. To separate and collect the solid precipitate formed in the reaction

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the purpose of filtration in a laboratory setting: Filtration is a technique used to separate a solid from a liquid by passing the mixture through a filter medium that allows only the liquid to pass through.
2. Recognize that filtration is not effective for removing dissolved ions because dissolved substances pass through the filter along with the solvent.
3. Identify that evaporation is the process used to remove solvent (usually water) by converting it into vapor, thereby concentrating the solution, not filtration.
4. Conclude that the primary reason for using a filter system in this experiment is to separate and collect the solid precipitate formed during the reaction, leaving the liquid (filtrate) behind.
5. Summarize that filtration physically separates solids from liquids, making it the appropriate method to isolate solid precipitates in a mixture.