How does distillation separate mixtures?
Distillation separates components by vaporization and condensation using differences in volatility.
Molecular process and core principles
The more volatile component becomes enriched in the vapor and is condensed as distillate. Close boiling points require a multistage fractionating column.
Evidence, applications and limits
Vacuum distillation lowers boiling temperature for heat-sensitive materials. Azeotropes cannot be separated beyond a limiting composition by ordinary distillation. Comparisons can be misleading unless temperature, pressure, concentration and sample purity are stated.
Related topics
What is a mitochondrion?Why does the Moon show the same face?What does the Roche limit mean?How does buoyancy work?What is a molecule?What is groundwater?How do seeds germinate?What is the carbon cycle?What is plate tectonics?How does an emulsion form?What are motion and acceleration?How does an accretion disk form?How does electromagnetic induction work?What is a star?What is a magnetic field?What does sublimation mean?What does half-life mean?What is photosynthesis?How does capillary action work?What does activation energy mean?What is light?What is science?How does a buffer solution stabilize pH?How does fermentation occur?What is a catalyst?How does the Sun produce energy?How does the Doppler effect work?What does permafrost mean?What is electromagnetism?How do ocean currents form?