How does fractional distillation work?

Fractional distillation works by using the fact that molecules of different sizes have different boiling points. Generally, the smaller a molecule, the lower its boiling point. When heating up a mixture of molecules, the lowest boiling compound will boil off first. While the compound is boiling, the temperature of the mixture will not increase above the lowest boiling point substance in the mixture as all the energy being put into the system is used to break intermolecular bonds and produce a gas. Once all of a substance boils off, then the tempertature of the mixture will increase to the next lowest boiling point and the process repeats again.

Answered by David S. Chemistry tutor

32144 Views

See similar Chemistry GCSE tutors

Related Chemistry GCSE answers

All answers ▸

In the labratory you are given 1.5g of butyl butanoate ester C8H16O2. (i) Draw the functional group of this compound. (ii) What is the emperical formula of the compound. (iii) What is the molar mass of the compound? (iv) How many moles were you given


What is the point of learning about chemistry - how can it be applied to real life?


What is the difference between Ionic and Covalent Bonding


Calculate the amount of sodium chloride, NaCl, in 55.0cm3 solution with a concentration og 0.5mol/dm3


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2024

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences