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

31556 Views

See similar Chemistry GCSE tutors

Related Chemistry GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Name or formulate these compounds: i)CH3CH2CH(CH3)COOH ii)CH3CH2COCH3 iii) 3-hydroxy-2-pentanone iv) 1-propanamine


Explain why graphite can conduct electricity.


Describe how and explain why vegetable oils are hardened for use in foods.


Explain which species is oxidised in this reaction: Br2 +2I– = 2Br– +I2


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