Chapter 2: Is Matter Around Us Pure?

Crystallisation

Crystallisation is a technique to purify solids by obtaining pure crystals from a solution.

Process

StepAction
1Dissolve impure solid in minimum water
2Filter to remove insoluble impurities
3Evaporate to get saturated solution
4Cool slowly at room temperature
5Crystals form

Why Crystallisation is Better Than Evaporation?

IssueEvaporationCrystallisation
Decomposition❌ Some solids decompose on heating✅ Gentle process
Charring❌ Sugar chars on heating to dryness✅ No charring
Impurities❌ Dissolved impurities contaminate solid✅ Pure crystals form

Applications

✅ Purification of salt from sea water ✅ Separation of alum (phitkari) crystals ✅ Obtaining pure copper sulphate


Summary: Choose the Right Method

Mixture TypeMethod
Salt from salt solutionEvaporation
Cream from milkCentrifugation
Oil from waterSeparating funnel
Camphor from saltSublimation
Colours from dyeChromatography
Acetone from waterDistillation
Gases from airFractional distillation
Pure salt from impure saltCrystallisation