fractional distillation

• What is the key requirement for fractional distillation to work?

  The liquids must have different boiling points
• What is the apparatus used in fractional distillation called?

  Fractionating column
• What is the role of the fractionating column in fractional distillation?

  It allows repeated evaporation and condensation
• What is placed at the top of the fractionating column?

  A thermometer
• How does the boiling point affect the evaporation of liquids in fractional distillation?

  The lower boiling point liquid evaporates more easily
• What happens to the vapors as they rise in the fractionating column?

  They condense and drip back into the flask
• What indicates that a mixture of vapors is passing over the thermometer?

  The temperature on the thermometer begins to rise
• What does it mean when the temperature on the thermometer stops rising?

  It indicates the lower boiling point is reached
• What is collected when the temperature reaches the lower boiling point?

  The first proper fraction of the chemical
• What happens after the first fraction is collected?

  The temperature begins to rise again
• What is a challenge when separating liquids with similar boiling points?

  It requires several rounds of distillation
• Why is the equipment shown not useful for large volumes of liquid?

  It is not designed for large-scale separation
• What are the steps involved in fractional distillation?

  1. Heat the mixture to evaporate liquids.
  2. Vapors rise into the fractionating column.
  3. Vapors condense and drip back down.
  4. Lower boiling point liquid rises first.
  5. Collect fractions at specific temperatures.