sieve
Definition
A sieve is a device that separates mixtures by size. It has a mesh with holes that are small enough to let some of the materials through, but not others.
The size of the holes in the mesh determines what size particles can pass through the sieve. For example, a sieve with small holes can be used to separate sand from gravel, while a sieve with large holes can be used to separate flour from bran.
Sieves are made of a variety of materials, including metal, plastic, and wood. The material that the sieve is made of affects its durability and how easy it is to clean.
Sieves are used in a variety of industries, including food processing, mining, and manufacturing. They are also used in homes for tasks such as sifting flour and separating dirt from sand.
How can the word be used?
The gardener sifted the soil to remove the rocks.
Different forms of the word
Noun:
- a utensil with a perforated bottom, used for separating solids from liquids or for separating fine particles from coarser ones.
Verb:
- to pass something through a sieve.
- to separate something into its component parts.
Etymology
The word "sieve" comes from the Middle English word "sif", which comes from the Old English word "sifan", which means "to sift".
The first recorded use of the word "sieve" in English was in the 11th century.
The word "sieve" is an Old English word, and it is related to the Dutch word "zeef" and the German word "Sieb".
Question
What is a sieve?
AQA Science Exam Question and Answer
Question:
Describe the principle of sieving as a method for separating mixtures based on particle size, and provide examples of situations where sieving is commonly used.
Answer:
Sieving is a separation technique used to separate particles of different sizes from a mixture. It involves passing the mixture through a sieve, which is a device with holes or pores of a specific size. The smaller particles that can fit through the holes pass through the sieve, while the larger particles are unable to pass and remain on top.
For example, in cooking, flour is often sieved to remove lumps and ensure a consistent texture for baking. In gardening, the soil is sieved to remove stones and debris, leaving behind fine, fertile soil for planting. In construction, sieving is used to separate different sizes of aggregates for concrete production.
Sieve analysis is also crucial in particle size determination for various materials, such as pharmaceutical powders or industrial powders. It helps ensure quality control by verifying that particles meet specific size requirements.
Sieving is a simple and effective technique that takes advantage of the size differences between particles in a mixture. Its applications range from food preparation to manufacturing processes, demonstrating its significance in ensuring product quality and consistency across various industries.