Question #b38f0

1 Answer
Meave60
Dec 27, 2016

You can use the difference in their melting points.

Explanation:

A mixture of iron and copper is an alloy, which is a solid mixture. There is no chemical reaction between the iron and the copper, so you wouldn't use a chemical reaction. You could use the phase change of melting by using the difference in melting points. The melting point of iron is #"1538"^@"C"#, and the melting point of copper is #"1084"^@"C"#.

You would heat the temperature of the mixture to the temperature of #"1084"^@"C"#, at which point the copper will melt. The temperature will be constant during this phase change is complete. When all of the copper has melted (the temperature starts to increase), you can pour it off. The solid that is left behind is iron.

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