You are given a jar containing a mixture of three different solid substances. The particles of each substance are larger than 0.5 cm in diameter. All you know about the substances is that each is a pure metal. Describe a method for determining the identities of the metals that make up the mixture. Assume that each metal is a different color, so you can tell one from others.

Question

You are given a jar containing a mixture of three different solid substances.  The particles of each substance are larger than 0.5 cm in diameter.  All you know about the substances is that each is a pure metal.  Describe a method for determining the identities of the metals that make up the mixture.  Assume that each metal is a different color, so you can tell one from others.

DrBob222 · Accepted Answer

I would start by separating a sample of each color, say something of the order of 0.5 g or so. Then I would run some chemical tests to determine the metals. I will leave that to you but someone here shall be happy to critique your thoughts.