Distillation: practical
I can compare two types of distillation and successfully use distillation to separate a mixture of miscible liquids.
- Year 7
Distillation: practical
I can compare two types of distillation and successfully use distillation to separate a mixture of miscible liquids.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Simple distillation is used to separate a mixture containing only two substances.
- Fractional distillation separates mixtures with 3+ substances, or substances with similar boiling points.
- Slower heating during distillation allows for more controlled boiling of individual components.
- If the condenser warms up it becomes less effective and more gas will escape.
Keywords
Distillation - Distillation is a separation technique that uses boiling and condensation to remove and isolate the liquid part of a mixture.
Fraction - A fraction is a part of something whole (e.g. a slice of cake).
Boiling - Boiling occurs when a substance in the liquid state is heated and changes to the gas state with gas bubbles formed.
Condensation - Condensation is the process by which a substance in the gas state is cooled and changes to a liquid state.
Common misconception
Pupils think that heating a substance strongly and for extended periods will improve distillation.
Stress that distillation is a skill which requires careful control of heating so only one substance is in the condenser at a time.
Equipment
See additional materials.
Content guidance
- Risk assessment required - equipment
- Depiction or discussion of mental health issues
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.True or false? The condenser in a distillation setup should be kept warm.
Q2.Match the equipment labels to the correct scientific terms.
Q3.The vapour formed during distillation turns back into a liquid in the ...
Q4.True or false? Boiling is a cooling process that occurs when a liquid turns into a gas.
Q5.What is the product called that is collected after it has been condensed in a distillation process?
Q6.Which of the following mixtures have components that can be separated using distillation?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.True or false? Simple distillation can be used to separate mixtures with widely varying boiling points.
Q2.The process of turning a substance in the gas state back into a liquid during distillation is called ...
Q3.Why, during simple distillation, should the mixture be heated slowly?
Q4.The purpose of keeping the condenser cool in distillation is to:
Q5.True or false? Simple distillation is used to separate a mixture containing 4 substances with similar boiling points.
Q6. Match the distillation-related terms with their correct definitions.
