Which of the following methods would NOT be helpful in separating a mixture of sand and salt?

• A. Filtration
• B. Evaporation
• C. Dissolving the mixture in water
• D. Distillation

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the components of the mixture. Sand is insoluble in water, while salt (sodium chloride) is soluble in water.
2. Step 2: Consider the method of filtration. Since sand does not dissolve in water, dissolving the mixture in water and then filtering will separate sand (solid residue) from salt solution (filtrate).
3. Step 3: Consider evaporation. Evaporation of the saltwater solution will remove water, leaving salt behind, effectively separating salt from water.
4. Step 4: Consider dissolving the mixture in water. This step is useful because it allows salt to dissolve while sand remains undissolved, facilitating separation by filtration.
5. Step 5: Consider distillation. Distillation separates components based on differences in boiling points of liquids. Since sand and salt are solids and do not vaporize, distillation is not helpful for separating this mixture.