A mixture is separated by:

**The reasoning** A **mixture** contains two or more substances that are physically combined but not chemically bonded — think sand and salt, or beans and rice. Since no chemical bonds hold them together, you can separate them using **physical methods** like: - Filtration (solid from liquid) - Evaporation (salt from water) - Distillation (pure water from salty water) - Magnetic separation (iron filings from sulfur) - Handpicking (stones from rice) Notice: you're not breaking or forming chemical bonds. You're just using differences in physical properties (size, boiling point, magnetism, solubility) to pull components apart. **Why the wrong options tempt you** **A) Reaction** — This creates *new* substances through chemical change. That's not separation; that's transformation. **C) Heat alone** — Heat *can* help (like in evaporation), but it's not enough by itself for all mixtures. You need a complete physical method. **D) Catalysis** — Catalysts speed up *chemical reactions*, not separation processes. **Quick takeaway** Mixtures = physical combination → physical separation. No bonds broken, just properties exploited. Remember: garri and groundnut mixed? Just pick them apart! 🥜