Magnetic Separation of Sand and Iron Filings
Materials: ★☆☆ Easy to get from supermarket or hardware store
Difficulty: ★☆☆ Can be easily done by most teenagers
Safety: ★☆☆ Minimal safety procedures required
Categories: Mixtures and Separation, Magnetism
Alternative titles: Magnetic Separation
Summary
Students mix sand and iron filings, then use a magnet to separate the iron filings from the sand. This demonstrates how differences in physical properties, like magnetism, can be used to separate mixtures.
Procedure
- Place equal amounts of sand and iron filings into a plastic cup.
- Stir the mixture with a plastic spoon until well mixed.
- Ask students to predict what will happen when a magnet is placed near the mixture.
- Slowly bring a magnet close to the mixture. The iron filings will cling to the magnet, while the sand remains in the cup.
- Move the magnet over a second cup and carefully remove the iron filings by tapping or wiping the magnet, allowing them to fall into the new cup.
- Repeat the process until all the iron filings have been separated from the sand.
Links
Separating iron filings from sand - Chemistry NOTES:
Sample Science Lesson - Junior HighSchool Science - Separating an iron, sand and salt mixture - Make Science Fun:
📄 Magnetic Separation Lab Activity - cK-12: https://www.ck12.org/flexi/physical-science/magnet/make-a-simple-lab-work-for-elementary-students-involving-techniques-in-separating-mixtures-such-as-using-magnets/
Variations
- Try separating different mixtures, such as paper clips mixed with rice, or coins mixed with buttons.
- Add salt, and separate this by adding water and filtering.
- Cover the magnet with a thin plastic bag or cling film for easier removal of the iron filings.
- Test which classroom objects are magnetic before starting the experiment.
Safety Precautions
- Ensure students do not place magnets near electronic devices or credit cards.
- Remind students not to put iron filings near their eyes, mouth, or nose.
- Wash hands after handling the materials.
Questions to Consider
- Why does the magnet attract iron filings but not sand? (Because iron is magnetic, while sand is not.)
- Can all metals be separated with magnets? (No, only ferromagnetic metals like iron, cobalt, and nickel respond strongly to magnets.)
- Where is magnetic separation used in everyday life? (In recycling, mining, and food safety to remove metal contaminants.)
- How could we separate mixtures where magnetism doesn’t work? (By using other methods such as filtration, evaporation, or sieving.)