Simple And Fractional Distillation.

Question 1

What is simple distillation?

Answer 1

A separation process that separates a solvent from a solution due to the fact the solvent has a much lower boiling point than the solute.

Question 2

What is fractional distillation?

Answer 2

The process in which two or more substances are separated from a mixture in the liquid state because of their differing boiling point.

Question 3

What steps do you need to carry out simple distillation?

Answer 3

1) Boil the solution (Bunsen burner).
2) Do so until the solvent evaporates and escapes in its gas state. The pressure will force it into the condenser.
3) Wait for it to cool and condense back into its liquid state by a condenser that is kept cold using a cold flow of water.
4) Wait for it to collect into a separate beaker.

Question 4

How do you carry out fractional distillation?

Answer 4

1) Heat is applied and the liquid with the lowest boiling point evaporates and condenses into a
beaker.
2) If other liquids evaporate by chance, they condense in the fractionating column back into the flask.
3) The temperature is altered to repeat the process for the second liquid.
4) The three liquids are separated based on differing boiling points with the third remaining in the
flask.
5) The process is repeated again.

Question 5

Why can simple distillation be useful?

Answer 5

It can be used to purify solvents, e.g. water, so that no other substances interfere with chemical tests.

Question 6

Why are fractional and simple distillation successful?

Answer 6

They are successful due to the differences in boiling points between substances.

Question 7

What is the “fractionating column” and what is its purposes and adaptations?

Answer 7

The fractionating column is a special piece of equipment containing glass rods. This means it has a large surface area for the vapours to condense- thus carrying out its purpose to separate components. It is hottest at the bottom and coolest at the top.

Question 8

What comes first, “cooling water in” or “cooling water out”?

Answer 8

“Cooling water out”.

Question 9

How is the condenser kept cold?

Answer 9

Via a circulation of cold water.

Question 10

Why can’t you use simple distillation for more than two substances?

Answer 10

If the different liquids have similar boiling points, those liquids may evaporate at the same time.