Question

Crude petroleum has many components that are useful. Which of the following methods is employed to separate the components?

• A. Electrolysis
• B. Decantation
• C. Filtration
• D. Fractional distillation

Answer 1

The correct option is D Fractional distillation

Stage-wise distillation used to separate a homogeneous mixture based on the difference in boiling points of the components is called fractional distillation.

The substances in crude oil have different boiling points, so they can be separated by fractional distillation. The crude oil is heated to about 600°C and its vapours are allowed to condense at different temperatures in the fractionating column. The temperatures in the column range from about 600°C at the bottom to 20°C at the top. Substances with high boiling points condense at the bottom, while those with low boiling points condense at the top.