Question

(a) What is fractional distillation? What is the use of fractionating column in fractional distillation?
​(b) Draw a labelled diagram of the fractional distillation apparatus used for separating a mixture of alcohol and water.

Answer 1

(a) Fractional distillation: It is a process of separation of a chemical mixture of two liquids whose components have different boiling points. This process is used for separating mixtures like water and ethanol, or in production of gasoline from crude oil. The fractionation column is used to separate the liquids according to the order of their vaporization so that they get separated as they are vaporized.

(b) Diagram of the fractional distillation used for separating a mixture of alcohol and water: