Separation of mixture by gravity of sodium carbonat into calcium chloride

By combining aqueous solutions of calcium chloride and sodium carbonate, a solid calcium carbonate is produced. The CaCO 3 is trapped by the paper which forms as a precipitate, but the NaCl passes through the filter paper with the water.

Explanation:

In gravity separation, a combination of two incompatible liquids can be separated by using a separating funnel. The operation is based on the variation within the density of the liquids. The heavier liquid that settles down is drained out first from the funnel into the beaker, and then the lighter liquid is drained out into another beaker. Filtration is used to separate a substance from a mixture because one is insoluble and the other is soluble. By combining aqueous solutions of calcium chloride and sodium carbonate, solid calcium carbonate is produced.

CaCl 2 (aq) + Na 2 CO 3 (aq) → CaCO 3 (s) + 2NaCl (aq)

A filter paper is inserted in a funnel and the mixture may be poured through a funnel. The NaCl is passed through the filter paper with the water but CaCO3 is trapped by the paper which forms the precipitate.