Fractional distillation is a process used to separate a mixture into its components based on their different boiling points.

Since the hydrocarbons in crude oil have different boiling points, we can separate them through fractional distillation. By breaking down crude oil into these fractions, we can isolate the hydrocarbons needed for various products, making use of their unique properties.

Simple distillation is used to separate a liquid from a solution, where the components have different boiling points. E.g. separating water from seawater, or ink from water.

Steps:

1. Prepare the Equipment:

• Pour the sample (e.g., seawater) into a distillation flask.

2. Set Up the Condenser:

• Connect the bottom end of the condenser to a cold tap using rubber tubing to keep the condenser cool.

3. Heat the Solution:

• Gradually heat the distillation flask.
• The part of the solution with the lower boiling point will evaporate first (e.g., water from seawater).

4. Condensation:

• The evaporated water vapour passes through the condenser, where it cools, condenses, and turns back into liquid.
• The pure liquid is collected in a beaker.

Key Point: Simple distillation works best when separating liquids with significantly different boiling points.