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.

DS
Answered by David S. Chemistry tutor

33088 Views

See similar Chemistry GCSE tutors

Related Chemistry GCSE answers

All answers ▸

What is the difference between an alkene and an alkane?


Explain how the differences in structure between Diamond and Graphite give rise to their different properties


What is a catalyst?


What is the volume of carbon dioxide released at room temperature and pressure when 6.2 g of copper carbonate reacts with excess dilute sulfuric acid?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning