Distillation: practical
I can compare two types of distillation and successfully use distillation to separate a mixture of miscible liquids.
Distillation: practical
I can compare two types of distillation and successfully use distillation to separate a mixture of miscible liquids.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
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
Students 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.
Content guidance
- Risk assessment required - equipment
- Depiction or discussion of mental health issues
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
mixture
thermometer
water out
water in
distillate (pure substance)
Exit quiz
6 Questions
Separate complex mixtures with similar boiling points
Apparatus used to cool vapour back into liquid
The liquid that has been condensed from vapour
Separates basic mixtures and removes just one liquid
The temperature at which a liquid turns into a gas