For each of the following processes, would filtration, distillation, or chromatography be the most effective separation technique:
a. removing the pulp from freshly squeezed orange juice,
b. separating a food dye into its individual components,
c. desalinating seawater?

Key Concepts

Filtration

Filtration is a separation technique that utilizes a porous barrier to separate solids from liquids or gases. It is effective for removing larger particles, such as pulp from liquids, by allowing the liquid to pass through while retaining the solid particles. This method is commonly used in various applications, including water purification and food processing.

Distillation

Distillation is a separation process that relies on differences in boiling points to separate components of a mixture. It involves heating a liquid to create vapor and then cooling the vapor to obtain a liquid. This technique is particularly useful for separating liquids from dissolved solids, such as desalinating seawater, where the goal is to remove salt and other impurities.

Chromatography

Chromatography is a versatile separation technique that separates components of a mixture based on their movement through a stationary phase while being carried by a mobile phase. It is particularly effective for separating complex mixtures, such as food dyes, into their individual components. This method is widely used in analytical chemistry for purifying substances and analyzing mixtures.