When the mixture of water, salt and groundnut oil is put in a separating funnel, it forms two layers. Water with salt being heavier, forms the lower layer in the separating funnel whereas oil being lighter forms the upper layer. On opening the stop cock of separating funnel, the lower layer of water comes out first and collected in a beaker. When water layer has completely run off, then stop cock is closed. the oil is left behind in the separating funnel. It can be removed in a separate beaker by opening the stop cock again.

The solution of common salt and water is taken in a china dish and heated gently by using a burner. The water present in salt solution will form water vapours and escape into atmosphere. When all the water present in the solution of common salt and water gets evaporated, then common salt is left behind in the china dish as a white solid.