Question

State the principle of fractional distillation.

Answer 1

Fractional distillation -

Fractional distillation is the process of separating two (or more) miscible liquids by distillation, the distillate is collected in fractions boiling at different temperatures.

Principle -

• The difference in boiling points of liquids is used in fractional distillation.
• The mixture (for example, alcohol and water) is heated and held in a distillation flask.
• The liquid with the lowest boiling point (in this case, alcohol) evaporates first, then condenses in the condenser and collects in a flask.
• The higher boiling point liquid (water) remains in the distillation flask.