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

32943 Views

See similar Chemistry GCSE tutors

Related Chemistry GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Describe how ethanol can be produced from ethene


How to calculate the number of protons, neutrons and electrons in an atom of chlorine?


Balance the equation and write the products of the following reaction for complete combustion: CH4 + O2 ---> _ + _


Balance this equation: C6H12O6 + _O2 --> _CO2 + _H2O


We're here to help

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

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences