149. Match the physical/chemical property with the corresponding unit operations used for separation:
a) Density
difference
(i) Distillation
b) Partition
coefficient
(ii) Filtration
c) Relative
volatility
(iii)Liquid-liquid extraction
d) Particle size (iv)Centrifugation
(1) a-iii b-iv c-i d-ii
(2) a-i b-iii c-ii d-iv
(3) a-iv b-ii c-iii d-i
(4) a-iv b-iii c-i d-ii

Title:

Matching Physical and Chemical Properties with Separation Techniques in Bioprocessing

Slug:

matching-physical-chemical-properties-separation-techniques

Meta Description:

Learn how different physical and chemical properties like density difference, partition coefficient, relative volatility, and particle size are used in various separation techniques like distillation, filtration, and more.

Key Phrase:

physical properties separation techniques


Detailed Explanation:

Question:
Match the physical/chemical property with the corresponding unit operation used for separation:

  • a) Density difference

  • b) Partition coefficient

  • c) Relative volatility

  • d) Particle size

Options:

  1. a-iii b-iv c-i d-ii

  2. a-i b-iii c-ii d-iv

  3. a-iv b-ii c-iii d-i

  4. a-iv b-iii c-i d-ii


Correct Answer:

(4) a-iv, b-iii, c-i, d-ii


Explanation:

In bioprocessing and industrial operations, separation techniques are commonly based on various physical and chemical properties. These properties can include density difference, partition coefficient, relative volatility, and particle size, each of which is associated with specific separation methods. Let’s go through each property and matching unit operation:

a) Density difference

This property is most commonly used in centrifugation. The centrifugal force causes particles with different densities to separate into layers, with denser materials moving outward. Thus, density difference is best matched with centrifugation (Option iv).

b) Partition coefficient

The partition coefficient refers to the distribution of a compound between two immiscible liquids, which is key in liquid-liquid extraction. In this process, compounds move between two solvents based on their solubility in each. Hence, partition coefficient is associated with liquid-liquid extraction (Option iii).

c) Relative volatility

Relative volatility is crucial in distillation, where it refers to the ratio of the vapor pressures of two components. It determines how easily the components can be separated based on differences in their boiling points. Therefore, relative volatility is linked with distillation (Option i).

d) Particle size

Separation based on particle size is typically performed by filtration. Filtration works by allowing smaller particles to pass through a filter while larger particles are retained. Thus, particle size is associated with filtration (Option ii).


Conclusion:

The correct match for the physical/chemical properties and their corresponding unit operations is:

  • a-iv: Density difference → Centrifugation

  • b-iii: Partition coefficient → Liquid-liquid extraction

  • c-i: Relative volatility → Distillation

  • d-ii: Particle size → Filtration

This ensures that each property is paired with the most suitable separation technique based on its characteristic behavior. The answer is (4) a-iv, b-iii, c-i, d-ii.

1 Comment
  • Vikram
    April 30, 2025

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