======Froth Flotation======


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**Alternative titles:** Ore Separation with Froth
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====Summary====                   
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====Procedure====  
  -Place one spatula of a sand and iron filings mixture into a test tube.
  -Add 5 ml of water, seal with a stopper, and shake for 10 seconds. Record observations.
  -Add 5 ml of kerosene to the same mixture, reseal, and shake for 10 seconds. Record observations.
  -Add one drop of detergent to the mixture, reseal, and shake again. Record observations.
  -Compare results after each step, focusing on bubble formation, separation of materials, and movement of particles.



====Links==== 
📄 Floating Froth Experiment - Oresome Resources: [[https://www.oresomeresources.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/Experiment-Floating-Froth-1.pdf]]\\


====Variations====
  *Try using different mineral mixtures, such as powdered chalk with sand, to model other ore separations.
  *Test different detergents or frothing agents to see how they affect separation efficiency.
  *Scale up the experiment using a beaker and stirrer for group demonstrations.



====Safety Precautions====
  *Wear safety glasses and gloves throughout the experiment.
  *Handle kerosene carefully; keep away from open flames and use in a well-ventilated area.
  *Dispose of mixtures safely according to teacher or lab technician instructions; do not pour kerosene down sinks.
  *Wash hands after handling chemicals and mixtures.




====Questions to Consider====
  *What happened when only water was added to the mixture? (Sand and iron filings stayed mixed without separation.)
  *Why was kerosene added? (It attaches preferentially to certain particles, helping them float with bubbles.)
  *What role did the detergent play? (It acted as a frothing agent, stabilizing bubbles to carry particles to the surface.)
  *Did all the iron filings separate out? Why or why not? (Not all may separate due to incomplete attachment to bubbles or mixing.)
  *Why is froth flotation valuable in metal production? (It allows efficient separation of ores from waste, making extraction more economical.)
  *How might modern techniques improve this process compared to early versions? (Use of more selective chemicals, better bubble control, and larger-scale machinery.)