distillation principle

Question

Fractional distillation is preferred over simple distillation when:

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1. **Simple Distillation**: Used to separate a volatile liquid from a non-volatile impurity or two liquids with a large boiling point difference (typically $> 40\u201350^\circ C$).
2. **Fractional Distillation**: Used when the boiling point difference between two miscible liquids is **small (less than $25^\circ C$ or $25 K$)**.
3. **Equipment**: It utilizes a **fractionating column** packed with glass beads or other surface-enhancing materials.
4. **Mechanism**: The column provides a large surface area for repeated condensation and vaporization. As the vapors rise, they become richer in the more volatile component.
5. **Efficiency**: Each step on the column acts like a several 'mini-distillations', allowing for the separation of components that would otherwise distill together in a simple setup.

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distillation principle

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