Separation vs. Purification — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on September 27, 2023
Separation refers to the process of dividing or distinguishing things from one another, while Purification is the act of making something pure by removing contaminants.
Difference Between Separation and Purification
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Separation and Purification are both processes utilized in various fields, particularly in chemistry, to achieve specific results. Separation usually entails dividing a mixture into its individual components without necessarily achieving purity. On the other hand, Purification is focused on removing impurities to achieve a purer substance.
In Separation, the primary goal is to isolate distinct entities from a collective group. In contrast, the intent of Purification is to improve the quality or purity of a particular substance. For example, separating sand from a mixture of sand and salt is a separation process; dissolving the mixture in water and then evaporating the water to get pure salt would be a purification process.
Methods like filtration, decantation, or use of a magnet can be employed in the Separation process. While in Purification, methods like distillation, crystallization, or chromatography are often utilized. So, while separation might result in multiple products, purification focuses on enhancing the purity of a single product.
Separation does not always lead to purity. For instance, when oil and water are separated, traces of one might still exist in the other. In Purification, the end goal is to minimize or eliminate such traces, ensuring the substance is as pure as practically possible.
Comparison Chart
Goal
To divide or distinguish things from one another
To make something pure by removing contaminants
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Result
Multiple components or entities
A single, purer substance
Common Methods
Filtration, decantation, magnet
Distillation, crystallization, chromatography
Focus
Isolation of entities
Removal of impurities
Assurance of Purity
Doesn't ensure complete purity
Aims for the highest level of purity possible
Compare with Definitions
Separation
The act of dividing or distinguishing things from one another.
The separation of milk into curd and whey is a common process.
Purification
The act of making something clean by removing impurities.
Water purification is essential for safe drinking.
Separation
A situation in which two or more things are put apart.
After the storm, there was a clear separation between the flooded and dry areas.
Purification
The process of freeing something from contamination.
The purification of the air was necessary after the chemical leak.
Separation
An instance when two or more people or things are no longer together.
Their separation was difficult for both families involved.
Purification
A ritual or ceremony to cleanse spiritually or morally.
The purification rite was an essential part of their cultural tradition.
Separation
The act or process of moving apart or forcing something apart
The separation of continents from a single landmass.
The separation of railroad cars from a train.
Purification
The clarification or refinement of a substance or idea.
The purification of the concept took several brainstorming sessions.
Separation
The condition of being apart, especially the condition of two people who had lived together or been married living in different places.
Purification
The act of purging or cleansing.
The purification of the temple took place every spring.
Separation
An interval or space that separates; a gap
The separation between the lead runner and the pack was getting longer.
Purification
The act or an instance of cleansing or purifying.
Separation
The process of sorting or distinguishing into different components, groups, or categories
The gradual separation of the sciences into physical and biological.
Purification
The act or process of purifying; the removal of impurities.
Air purification
Purification of water
Separation
The condition of being so sorted or distinguished
The unquestioned separation of labor by gender.
Purification
A religious act or rite in which a defiled person is made clean or free from sin.
Purification of the soul
Separation
The voluntary cessation by spouses of cohabitation and other marital relations.
Purification
(Christianity) The pouring of wine into the chalice to rinse it after communion, the wine being then drunk by the priest.
Separation
A formal legal severing of the relations between spouses that does not dissolve the marriage as in divorce.
Purification
The act of purifying; the act or operation of separating and removing from anything that which is impure or noxious, or heterogeneous or foreign to it; as, the purification of liquors, or of metals.
Separation
In some jurisdictions, divorce.
Purification
The act or operation of cleansing ceremonially, by removing any pollution or defilement.
When the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished.
Separation
Discharge, as from employment or military service.
Purification
A cleansing from guilt or the pollution of sin; the extinction of sinful desires, appetites, and inclinations.
Separation
The act of disuniting two or more things, or the condition of being separated.
Purification
The act of cleaning by getting rid of impurities
Separation
The act or condition of two or more people being separated from one another.
Purification
The process of removing impurities (as from oil or metals or sugar etc.)
Separation
The act or condition of a married couple living in separate homes while remaining legally married.
Purification
A ceremonial cleansing from defilement or uncleanness by the performance of appropriate rites
Separation
(legal) An agreement legalizing such an arrangement.
Purification
The act of purging of sin or guilt; moral or spiritual cleansing;
Purification through repentance
Separation
The place at which a division occurs.
Separation
An interval, gap or space that separates things or people.
Separation
An object that separates two spaces.
Separation
(military) Departure from active duty, while not necessarily leaving the service entirely.
Separation
The act of separating, or the state of being separated, or separate.
Separation
The act of dividing or disconnecting
Separation
Coming apart
Separation
The state of lacking unity
Separation
The distance between things;
Fragile items require separation and cushioning
Separation
Sorting one thing from others;
The separation of wheat from chaff
The separation of mail by postal zones
Separation
The social act of separating or parting company;
The separation of church and state
Separation
The space where a division or parting occurs;
He hid in the separation between walls
Separation
Termination of employment (by resignation or dismissal)
Separation
(law) the cessation of cohabitation of man and wife (either by mutual agreement or under a court order)
Separation
The termination of a relationship or partnership.
After years of conflict, they decided on a mutual separation.
Separation
A boundary or gap between two things.
The canyon formed a natural separation between the two territories.
Common Curiosities
Is Separation always a physical process?
No, separation can be physical or emotional, such as separating substances or people separating from each other.
Does Purification always guarantee 100% purity?
No, purification aims for the highest purity possible but doesn't always ensure complete purity.
Can Separation be a step in the Purification process?
Yes, separating components can be a preliminary step before purification.
Can Separation and Purification occur naturally?
Yes, processes like evaporation can naturally separate and purify substances.
Is Purification only related to substances?
No, purification can also refer to spiritual, moral, or conceptual cleansing.
What's a common method of Separation in a laboratory?
Filtration is a common lab method for separation.
What's a key method for water Purification?
Distillation is a key method for water purification.
Why is Purification crucial in medicine?
Purification ensures medicines are safe and free from harmful contaminants.
Is there a symbolic meaning to Separation?
Yes, separation can symbolize independence, growth, or change.
Can Purification have cultural or religious significance?
Yes, many cultures and religions have purification rites or ceremonies.
Is chromatography a Separation or Purification technique?
Chromatography can be used for both separation and purification.
Why is Separation important in chemistry?
Separation allows chemists to isolate specific components for study or use.
Can Separation be reversed?
Depending on the method, some separations can be reversed, while others cannot.
Is Purification always a single-step process?
No, purification often involves multiple steps to achieve desired purity.
Can Separation lead to loss of material?
Yes, some material might be lost or wasted during the separation process.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
