Separating mixtures

Question 1

Explain how fractional distillation works to separate a mixture of liquids

Answer 1

The different liquids in the mixture will all have different boiling points. When the mixture is heated, the liquid with the lowest boiling point will evaporate first and it will reach the top of the fractioning column when the temperature there matches its boiling point. It can then be condensed and collected. When the first liquid has been collected, the temperature can be raised until the next liquid evaporates and reaches the top of the column.

Question 2

Suggest a purification method which would separate a mixture of chloride and ethanol. But not a mixture of sodium chloride and water. Explain your answer.

Answer 2

Filtration - would separate sodium chloride and chloride

Question 3

Suggest a purification method which would separate a mixture of sodium chloride and ethanol. Explain your answer