Distillation: practical
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can compare two types of distillation and successfully use distillation to separate a mixture of miscible liquids.
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.
Teacher tip
Have 'simple' and fractional distillation set ups and compare / contrast them. Use fractional distillation to separate ethanol from water then compare the flammability of the distillate and the starting mixture.
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.
To help you plan your 7 science lesson on: Distillation: practical, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 7 science lesson on: Distillation: practical, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 3 science lessons from the Separation techniques unit, dive into the full secondary science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.