They don't float, per se. Iron filings are not buoyant. However, they are small and light enough not to break the surface tension of the water and so they just lie on top.
If you pushed them to the bottom of the water, they will stay there.
Actually from what I have seen Iron filings sink and float ( half and half)
The iron is actually burning, reacting with oxygen to produce iron oxide. The sparking is not observed with large pieces of iron because the smaller surface area results in a much slower rate of reaction.
Because the flame provides enough energy for the small particles of iron to be oxidised - Catch fire
The iron burns explosively,causing a large shower of sparks.
Iron filings have a larger surface area. This allows rapid oxidation(burning) to take place.
because of the carbon content in iron
Sulfur and iron filings together are a mixture.
Carbon disulfide can be used to separate a mixture of iron filings and sulfur. This is because carbon disulfide can be used to dissolve sulfur, thus leaving you with the iron filings.
Iron filings may or may not be pure. The ones used in experiments with magnets may not be pure iron. Most iron filings may have a few impurities. But iron (Fe) filings that are reagent grade will be very pure iron metal.
angela and ev jackson are cool
I would separate copper strands and iron filings by using a magnet. The iron is magnetic, but the copper is not, so the magnet picks up the iron, but leaves the copper behind.
Copper filings are not attracted to a magnet, as iron filings are.
mostly black, with some grey or silvery spots.
Iron filings may be pure elemental iron, it depends on the source of the iron.
pure substance
magnetic separation.
iron
Sulfur and iron filings together are a mixture.
Fine iron filings
Pure iron filings will be attracted to a magnet; but pieces of iron carbonate will not.
separate iron filings AND ash from water by filtration or evaporation then, if required, separate iron filings from ash by using a magnetic field,
If they are iron filings, you can use the property of magnetism to remove the iron filings using a magnet. You will need to rinse the iron filings with water after you remove them with the magnet in order to completely remove the sawdust from them.
A magnet should be very good at picking out the iron filings.