Question

Describe giving reasons the kind of mixtures that can be separated by the distillation.

Answer 1

Distillation

• The method of separation of a liquid from a soluble component by first converting it into its vapour and then condensing the vapour is called distillation.
• The process is used for the separation of miscible liquids having different boiling points.
• The principle behind this separation method is the difference in the boiling points of the components of the mixture.
• When heated, the component with a lower boiling point vaporises before the one with a higher boiling point.
• A condenser is fitted to the distillation flask.
• Upon cooling the vapours of the more volatile liquid component condense into pure liquid. The pure liquid is then collected in the receiver.
• Example: This method is used to separate alcohol from water and for preparing distilled water.