Fractional distillation

What is fractional distillation?

A separation technique to separate a mixture into its individual components based on differences in their boiling points.

How does fractional distillation work?

It involves heating the mixture, vaporizing the components, and then cooling the vapor to condense it back into liquid.

What is a distillation column?

A vertical column that facilitates the separation of different components in a mixture during fractional distillation.

Why is fractional distillation preferred over simple distillation?

It is more effective for separating mixtures with closer boiling points.

What is the role of temperature in fractional distillation?

Temperature is controlled to selectively vaporize components based on their boiling points.

What is a sample application of fractional distillation?

Used in the petroleum industry to separate crude oil into gasoline, diesel, and other products.

What is the significance of boiling point in fractional distillation?

Components with lower boiling points vaporize first and are collected higher in the distillation column.

What are fractions in fractional distillation?

Portions of the mixture that are collected at different stages during the distillation process.

What is a reboiler?

A device that heats the liquid mixture in fractional distillation to generate vapor.

What is the condenser's role in fractional distillation?

To cool and condense the vapor back into liquid after it rises through the distillation column.