What was the purpose of draping the filter paper over the ceramic dish and heating it during a filtration and evaporation experiment?

• A. To speed up the filtration process by increasing the flow rate
• B. To ensure the filter paper absorbs all the liquid from the solution
• C. To allow the solvent to evaporate while preventing contamination of the residue
• D. To prevent the ceramic dish from cracking due to rapid temperature changes

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the role of filter paper in filtration: it acts as a barrier to separate solid residue from the liquid solution.
2. Recognize that draping the filter paper over the ceramic dish during heating allows the solvent to evaporate gradually.
3. Note that this setup prevents contaminants from entering the residue by covering the dish while still permitting evaporation.
4. Consider that heating directly without this arrangement might cause splattering or contamination, or damage the dish.
5. Conclude that the purpose is to allow solvent evaporation while protecting the solid residue from contamination.