Question

Can we separate alcohol dissolved in water by using a separating funnel? If yes, then describe the procedure. If not, explain

Answer 1

Answer:

Separating funnel:

• A separating funnel is used to separate mixtures of two immiscible liquids.
• The mixture separates into two layers due to the differences in their densities.
• We cannot separate alcohol dissolved in water by using a separating funnel because both alcohol and water are miscible liquids.

The separation of the mixture of Alcohol and Water:

Fractional distillation:

• Fractional distillation is the process by which Alcohol and Water can be separated.
• Boiling points for Alcohol are $78°\mathrm{C}$ and Water is$100°\mathrm{C}$.
• When we heat the mixture separation will occur at a certain temperature where a fraction of the mixture having a low boiling point starts to vaporize.
• We can collect the condensed vapour in a separate flask after cooling the vapours.
• Alcohol with a low boiling point will vapourize first as its boiling point is $78°\mathrm{C}$ and then Water.
• In this way, we can separate these two liquids.

Conclusion:

Therefore, we can not separate alcohol dissolved in water by using a separating funnel.