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19 Jan 2026
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GCSE Chemistry: Basic Definitions, Filtration & Crystallisation
Paige Jane
@paigejflash
Mixtures and Separation Techniques
Mixtures are distinct from compounds in that they consist of two or more elements or compounds that are not chemically combined. This characteristic allows for various separation techniques in Chemistry to be applied.
Definition: A mixture is a combination of two or more substances where each component retains its own chemical properties.
The components in a mixture can be separated using physical processes, which is a key topic in GCSE Chemistry separation techniques exam questions. Some of these techniques include:
- Filtration: This method is used to separate insoluble solids from liquids or solutions. It's a fundamental technique in the crystallisation method GCSE AQA.
Example: Dissolving salt in water and then filtering it to remove any insoluble impurities.
- Crystallisation: This process is employed to obtain a soluble solid from a solution through evaporation. It's a crucial part of understanding crystallisation gcse Chemistry.
Highlight: The crystallization method step-by-step typically involves dissolving a substance, filtering out impurities, and then allowing the solution to evaporate slowly to form crystals.
-
Fractional distillation: This technique separates mixtures with different boiling points, which is often covered in Separation techniques bbc Bitesize KS3.
-
Chromatography: This method separates mixtures based on the different rates at which components move through a medium.
Vocabulary: Chromatography is derived from Greek words meaning "color writing," reflecting its original use in separating plant pigments.
Understanding these separation techniques in Chemistry PDF resources and practicing with GCSE Chemistry separation techniques exam questions will help students master this important topic in their studies.
Atoms, Elements, and Compounds
Atoms are the fundamental building blocks of matter in chemistry. They form the basis for understanding elements and compounds, which are crucial concepts in GCSE Chemistry separation techniques.
Definition: An atom is the smallest part of an element that retains the properties of that element.
Elements are pure substances composed of only one type of atom. They are the simplest form of matter and can be found on the periodic table.
Example: Sodium (Na) is an element represented by its chemical symbol on the periodic table.
Compounds are more complex substances that contain atoms of two or more elements chemically combined in fixed proportions. They are represented by chemical formulas.
Vocabulary: A chemical formula is a way of expressing the composition of a compound using symbols and numbers.
Example: H₂O is the chemical formula for water, indicating that it contains two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom.
Highlight: Understanding the differences between atoms, elements, and compounds is crucial for mastering GCSE Chemistry mixtures separation techniques.
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Stefan S
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This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
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I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
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This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE Knowunity AI. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
GCSE Chemistry: Basic Definitions, Filtration & Crystallisation
Paige Jane
@paigejflash
Atoms, elements, compounds, and mixtures form the foundation of basic definitions gcse chemistry. This summary explores these concepts and various separation techniques in Chemistry, including filtration and crystallisation.
- Atoms are the smallest units of elements
- Elements are... Show more
Mixtures and Separation Techniques
Mixtures are distinct from compounds in that they consist of two or more elements or compounds that are not chemically combined. This characteristic allows for various separation techniques in Chemistry to be applied.
Definition: A mixture is a combination of two or more substances where each component retains its own chemical properties.
The components in a mixture can be separated using physical processes, which is a key topic in GCSE Chemistry separation techniques exam questions. Some of these techniques include:
- Filtration: This method is used to separate insoluble solids from liquids or solutions. It's a fundamental technique in the crystallisation method GCSE AQA.
Example: Dissolving salt in water and then filtering it to remove any insoluble impurities.
- Crystallisation: This process is employed to obtain a soluble solid from a solution through evaporation. It's a crucial part of understanding crystallisation gcse Chemistry.
Highlight: The crystallization method step-by-step typically involves dissolving a substance, filtering out impurities, and then allowing the solution to evaporate slowly to form crystals.
-
Fractional distillation: This technique separates mixtures with different boiling points, which is often covered in Separation techniques bbc Bitesize KS3.
-
Chromatography: This method separates mixtures based on the different rates at which components move through a medium.
Vocabulary: Chromatography is derived from Greek words meaning "color writing," reflecting its original use in separating plant pigments.
Understanding these separation techniques in Chemistry PDF resources and practicing with GCSE Chemistry separation techniques exam questions will help students master this important topic in their studies.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Atoms, Elements, and Compounds
Atoms are the fundamental building blocks of matter in chemistry. They form the basis for understanding elements and compounds, which are crucial concepts in GCSE Chemistry separation techniques.
Definition: An atom is the smallest part of an element that retains the properties of that element.
Elements are pure substances composed of only one type of atom. They are the simplest form of matter and can be found on the periodic table.
Example: Sodium (Na) is an element represented by its chemical symbol on the periodic table.
Compounds are more complex substances that contain atoms of two or more elements chemically combined in fixed proportions. They are represented by chemical formulas.
Vocabulary: A chemical formula is a way of expressing the composition of a compound using symbols and numbers.
Example: H₂O is the chemical formula for water, indicating that it contains two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom.
Highlight: Understanding the differences between atoms, elements, and compounds is crucial for mastering GCSE Chemistry mixtures separation techniques.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
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Most popular content: Separations and Purifications
Most popular content in Chemistry
Most popular content
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE Knowunity AI. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE Knowunity AI. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user