fractional distillation

Question 1

explain the process of fractional distillation

Answer 1

• crude oil is heated in a furnace
• a mixture of liquid and vapour is passed into the fractionating tower
• vapours pass up the tower until they reach a temperature that is lower than their boiling point here they condense into a liquid
• the mixture of liquids on each tray is piped off

Question 2

where do shorter chain hydrocarbons condense in the fractionating column

Answer 2

near thee top as the column is cooler and they have a lower boiling point

Question 3

what is the thick residue called that collects at the base of the fractionating column

Answer 3

tar
(bitumen)