How does distillation separate a mixture based on boiling points?

How does distillation separate a mixture based on boiling points?

• A. By magnetizing the mixture to separate components.
• B. By dissolving solids in a solvent.
• C. By separating components using a filter.
• D. By evaporating the component with the lower boiling point and then condensing it back to a liquid.

Answer: (D)

Distillation relies on differences in volatility, which align with boiling points. When the mixture is heated, the liquid with the lower boiling point turns into vapor first. That vapor is then cooled in a condenser and collected as a liquid separate from the rest, while the higher-boiling components stay behind. If the boiling points are close, a fractionating column can create many tiny vaporization-condensation cycles to improve separation. This is why distillation separates based on boiling points.

Distillation relies on differences in volatility, which align with boiling points. When the mixture is heated, the liquid with the lower boiling point turns into vapor first. That vapor is then cooled in a condenser and collected as a liquid separate from the rest, while the higher-boiling components stay behind. If the boiling points are close, a fractionating column can create many tiny vaporization-condensation cycles to improve separation. This is why distillation separates based on boiling points.