Separating funnel facts for kids

A separating funnel

A separating funnel is a special tool used in science labs. It helps you separate two liquids that don't mix, like oil and water. These liquids naturally separate into layers. A separating funnel makes it easy to collect each liquid on its own.

What is a Separating Funnel?

A separating funnel is usually made of glass. It looks like a cone with a round top, like half a circle. At the very top, it has a stopper to close it. At the bottom, there's a tap or a small hole. You can open or close this tap to let liquids out. These funnels come in different sizes, from small ones that hold 50 milliliters to large ones that can hold 3 litres.

How to Use a Separating Funnel

Let's imagine you have a mixture of oil and water. Here's how a separating funnel helps:

• First, you pour the mix of oil and water into the funnel.
• Then, you put the stopper on tightly and gently shake the funnel. This helps the liquids settle properly.
• After shaking, you place the funnel in a stand and wait. The liquids will start to separate into layers.
• The liquid that is heavier (has a higher density) will sink to the bottom. In our example, water is heavier than oil, so the water layer will be at the bottom. The oil will float on top.
• Once the layers are clearly separated, you slowly open the tap at the bottom of the funnel.
• The heavier liquid (water, in this case) will flow out into a beaker or another container.
• You watch carefully. Just as the last bit of the heavier liquid is about to come out, you quickly close the tap.
• Now, the lighter liquid (the oil) is left inside the separating funnel. You can then pour it out from the top.

Images for kids

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  Pear-shaped separatory funnel

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  Separating funnel in use. The organic phase (yellow, upper phase) has a lower density than the aqueous phase (lower phase). The aqueous phase is being drained into the beaker.

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  Apple, banana, carrot, and lettuce extraction using acetone, water, and dichloromethane. Lower layer is the organic layer.

See also

In Spanish: Embudo de decantación para niños