Fractional Distillation

• What is fractional distillation used for?

  To separate a mixture of more than two dissolved liquids
• What key equipment is used in fractional distillation?

  Fractionating column
• What is the fractionating column packed with and how does this help?

  Packed with beads. Helps separate components based on boiling points.
• what happens when the mixture is heated in fractional distillation?

  • vapours rise through a column which is hot at the bottom, and cooler at the top
  • vapours condense when they reach a part of the column that is below the temperature of their boiling point
  • each liquid is led away from the column
• Which liquid is collected first in fractional distillation?

  The liquid with the lowest boiling point.
• Why is the liquid with the lower boiling point collected first in fractional distillation?

  It condenses when they reach a part of the column that is below the temperature of their boiling point