Simple distillation
I can describe how distillation is used to separate and recover a liquid from a solution.
Simple distillation
I can describe how distillation is used to separate and recover a liquid from a solution.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- A liquid can be separated from a solution by vaporising it and then quickly condensing it.
- Distillation works due to one part of a solution having a different boiling point than the other part.
- A condenser should be kept cold to speed up condensation.
- The liquid collected (distillate) is pure.
Keywords
Distillation - Distillation is a separation technique that uses boiling and condensation to remove and isolate a liquid part of a mixture.
Condensation - Condensation is the process by which a substance in the gas state is cooled and changes to a liquid state.
Delivery tube - A delivery tube is a thin tube used to transfer (i.e. "deliver") a substance (usually in the gas state) from one container to another.
Condenser - A condenser is a piece of apparatus composed of a tube surrounded by a cold layer, usually cold water.
Distillate - The liquid that is condensed from the gas state during distillation is called the distillate.
Common misconception
Students struggle to understand gas state; thinking solids, liquids and gases as 'types' of matter.
Refer to/use particle models to help clarify different states of matter and use these to describe why separation techniques work.
Content guidance
- Risk assessment required - equipment
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
Where a liquid turns into a gas at the substance's surface.
Where a liquid turns into a gas at a specific temperature.
Where a gas is changed into a liquid.